Theatre production in memory of murdered Sophie Lancaster

5:40pm Tuesday 11th November 2008

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A THEATRE group is donating profits from its latest production in memory of Sophie Lancaster, who used to perform with them.

RAYS, Rossendale Amateur Youth Section, are performing ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ for the second time in the company’s history.

The show premiere, which took place seven years ago, featured Sophie, who was fatally injured in an attack in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, last year.

Howard Jones, RAYS representative, said: “We recently realised that Sophie was actually one of the members of the cast of the original show when she was aged 15.

“We then decided that it is only fitting to take a collection for the SOPHIE fund every evening of the performance, and we will be sharing any profit we make to that fund as well.”

He added: “There’s been a real buzz in rehearsals. There’s a week to go until the show starts, so there’s a lot of excitement and nerves throughout the 24 members of the cast.”

RAYS was set up in 1991 with the aim of introducing youngsters to the theatre.

The company now make up the junior section of the Rossendale Amateur Operatic Society.

Return to the Forbidden Planet is based on Shakespeare’s comedy ‘The Tempest’ but set on a space ship in the future.

Radio presenter Ted Robbins has a cameo in the show.

Howard added: “Ted kindly accepted our offer and has been filmed for the performance. He will be projected onto a big screen during the show and will certainly bring a different element to the whole thing.”

Return to the Forbidden Planet will be performed at the Royal Court Theatre in Bacup from November 19 - 22 at 7.30pm.

All tickets cost £7 and are available online at www.raoslive.com. Alternatively go to Neary’s general store in Helmshore.

Tickets can also be bought at the door of the theatre.