CHESTER-le-Street Amateur Operatic Society will next month (November ) stage the popular musical comedy Half a Sixpence.

Made famous by Tommy Steele, the show features songs such as the production’s title, If the Rain's Gotta Fall and Flash, Bang, Wallop.

The production stars James Forster as Arthur Kipps and Claire Bidnell as his childhood sweetheart, Ann.

After the production run, four members of the society will receive National Operatic and Dramatic Association awards.

Joanne Whitfield is marking 25 years’ service, having joined the society at the age of 11, and will be the youngest member of the society to receive it, following in the footsteps of her parents who have between them 95 years’ membership of the society.

The other award recipients this year are Julia Snaith, 30 years, Anne Holt, 15 years, and Linda Wood, ten years.

Half a Sixpence will be performed at Park View Community Theatre, Chester-le-Street, at 7.15pm from Tuesday to Friday, November 4 to 7. A matinee performance will also be staged on Saturday, November 8 at 2pm.

For tickets call 0191 3886001, 0191 5843061 or 07989 596198, or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/chesterlestreetaos

Tickets cost £8 for over-16s on Tuesday and £10 for the rest of the week. Under-16 tickets are £5 all week, with a family ticket available all week for £25 ( two adults and two children).