THE world premiere of a new musical takes to the stage this week in the Ribble Valley.

"Arctic Song" has been specially written by Denny Laine, of Moody Blues and Wings fame, and will be presented by a boys' choir from St Mary's Hall, the preparatory school at Stonyhurst College, and girls from Westholme Middle School, Blackburn.

The story involves a spaceship from the future and animals of the Arctic which are threatened with extinction.

Characters Arcos and Yelena have to find the "Arctic Song" - the crystal of all knowledge whose healing power will help restore harmony and conquer the destruction of the planet.

Artistic director Mary Jones has been working with the choir for four months and has supervised the transformation of the Centenaries Theatre venue into an Arctic setting with spectacular costumes. Denny Laine, who now lives in the area, along with sponsors, Ribble Records, are hoping "Arctic Song" will be made into a professional adult production in the future.

Co-writer, Christopher Hill, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, will be staging a photographic exhibition based on a solo journey to the Arctic regions to herald the musical premiere.

The exhibition will be held tonight between 6.30pm and 9pm in the Centenaries Theatre.

"Arctic Song" opens on Friday, May 9 at 7.30pm with evening shows also on Saturday, Sunday and the following weekend on Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17.

There is one matinee performance on May 16 at 2.30pm.

Tickets at £10 for adults and £7 for students can be obtained through the theatre box office on 01254 826063.

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