TWO of York’s best-known theatre producers are combining their talents to mount their own production this summer.

John Hall and Mike Thompson are to stage Stepping Out – The Musical at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre from June 20 to 23, with a matinee on the Saturday.

Written by Richard Harris, with music by Denis King and lyrics by Mary Stewart-David, the show is a fun musical based on the Liza Minnelli film and features a cast of nine woman – and one man – learning to tap dance.

If you are interested in being involved in this production, on stage or off, please phone the producers on 07976 270637 or email mdt53@hotmail.co.uk The initial meeting will be held on Sunday at the Reading Rooms, Dunnington, at 6pm. All are welcome.

John and Mike have a wealth of theatrical experience under their belts, culminating in last September’s production of The Producers at the Grand Opera House.

Their production company is simply named HAT Productions (as in Hall and Thompson).

“The aim of the group is to produce shows of a high standard, and also to provide funding from any profits to help musical theatre students who have gained a place in a theatre school but are unable to attend for financial reasons,” says John.

“It has dismayed us to see so many talented people being accepted into colleges but then not being able to go as a result of poor funding,” says Mike.

John’s directing credits include shows for Rowntree Players, York Stage Musicals and York Light Opera and last month he fulfilled his wish to play Captain von Trapp in The Sound Of Music, performing the role for York Light Opera at York Theatre Royal.

Mike has worked as musical director for most of the prominent amateur theatre groups in the area, following 20 years in the same post for Rowntree Youth Theatre.

He also plays keyboards regularly in theatres and other venues, most recently accompanying Stars From The West End at the De Grey Rooms.

Tickets for Steping Out – The Musical are available at the Theatre Royal, phone 01904 623568.