A MUSICAL production company is preparing for its centenary show.

Spennymoor Stage and Song was established in 1913 by like minded people in the town to share a love of music and to entertain.

Over the years it has adapted to suit the audience’s tastes and has gone from producing one light opera a year to modern musicals and a pantomime.

At its height in the 1960s and 1970s it had around 80 members and a waiting list to join the chorus, today it has around half that number including behind the scenes volunteers.

The group began its centenary year with Babes in the Woods in January and will perform Chess at Spennymoor Town Hall next month.

And former member and Yorkshire barrister Jonathan Walker-Kane will return to the group to direct a special show, The Sound of Music, at The Gala in Durham in September.

President Jean Burgess, whose family have had a member in Spennymoor Stage and Song continuously since around 1930, said: “It has been a big part of the life of Spennymoor people for a long time.”

Business manager and treasurer, De Hickson, added: “There is lot of talent and dedication here, people are usually pleasantly surprised by the professional standard of our shows.”

Chess will be performed from Tuesday, April 23 to Saturday, April 27, doors open at 6.30pm for show at 7pm.

Tickets are £8.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions with special offers available for group bookings from J Welsh Jewellers, on High Street, Spennymoor, or Mrs Hickson on 01388-816400.