Curtain up! Stage will soon be set for stories of life in east Leeds

Members of Seacroft Local History Group, with, centre, Boff Whalley, and some of the items already collected in preparation for the show.

Boff Whalley, a former member of Leeds band Chumbawamba, is writing and co-directing next summer’s show, which will be all about the people and places of Seacroft.

The project is being run by Leeds-based arts and health charity Space2 in association with the LS14 Trust not-for-profit community organisation.

It follows the success of a previous show called Gipton The Musical, which drew a sell-out crowd to the Playhouse last year.

And, as planning for next summer’s production continues, an appeal has been issued for people to share their stories – both real and fictional – about life in Seacroft.

Residents can speak about their experiences and show off treasured family items to members of the project team at a stall at this Saturday’s Seacroft Gala from midday to 4pm.

Space2’s creative director Emma Tregidden said: “We want local people to come along, tell us their stories and share objects that have special meaning to them, for example a wartime medal, a teapot, a child’s picture, a photograph or a newspaper cutting.

“We are also working with the LS14 Trust and its amazing collection of local stories.”

Residents in Seacroft will get the chance to sing, dance and act in the show or tackle jobs such as making costumes and building sets.

The project will also see the creation of a major artwork that will be inspired by local people’s stories and is due to be exhibited in the area this September.

Funding has come from the People’s Health Trust, the Health Lottery and Leeds City Council.

For information on how to get involved, ring Ms Tregidden on 0113 320 0159 or visit the www.space2.org.uk website.