Where there's smoke there's realism in the latest production from the Utley-based Spot On! theatre group.

Members of the cast have taken up smoking to ensure they create the right atmosphere for classic 1930s thriller Night Must Fall.

Younger performers are using a special theatrical substitute as they puff their way through the play.

Emlyn Williams' "thoroughly unwholesome" drama features smoking, drinking, rudeness, innuendo and an illicit affair.

Smoking is a major pastime for the lead character - a dashing Welshman called Dan - along with cycling, courting and murder.

The young man interrupts the tedious and repetitive lives of four women living together in a solitary bungalow in the Essex forest.

Playing the lead role is Glusburn teenager Daniel Lamb, a South Craven School student who has performed in three previous Spot On! productions.

Utley woman Emma Bowskill, one of the group's founders, directs the play as well as taking the role of a sarcastic cook.

Emma begins a one-year acting course in Reading next month in the hope of eventually becoming a professional actress.

The rest of the cast is made up of Spot On! co-founder Laura Kane, Skipton teenagers Meg Dobson and Ben Minal, Brenda Weatherall and Alex Waddington, Chris Allen and Beckie Hannon.

Night Must Fall is staged at Skipton Little Theatre from Thursday to Saturday at 7.30pm.

The Craven Herald says:

"Spot On! Productions lived up to high expectation... This was a creditable and brave performance by a new acting group and I think there will be many more fine productions to come."

"Rachel Pollards' Amy deserves special mention - she played a difficult part superbly, recovering some of the original character's wit and naivety"

"Emma Bowskill's portrayal of Meg was also original, a far more energetic and interesting character than the usual wishy-washy creations."

"The costumes, scenery and set were appropriate and there was lots of attention to detail.  The audience were also treated to an after-show party."

The Telegraph and Argus says:

 "Novice director Victoria Bowskill enjoys a challenge - and it's a good job as she has taken on her first production aged just sixteen. Despite her tender years, Victoria has not been phased by the magnitude of her task."

Viv Mason from the Craven Herald writes about A Midsummer Night's Dream.

"Shakespeare, whether you love him or hate him, you cannot say he did not provide fine material for budding thespians to get there teeth into. And whether A Midsummer Night's Dream is up your street or not, the performance given last week by the young actors of Keighley-based Spot On! Amateur Productions was worthy of note. The choice of production did not detract at all from the professionalism shown by the young people, particularly as the Skipton Little Theatre venue provides no escape from the audience, who sit little more than an arm's width from the stage. No sign of nerves were present as the actors, taking an unorthodox approach and performing in 1950s-style costume. Daniel Lamb's comic part as Bottom was exceptional and performed in a Hawaiian shirt with confidence and humour - a sort of Stephen Fry character in glorious technicolour. The other person who singling out was Emma Bowskill who played the hysterical Helena. The cast and crew earned their applause and will have gained in confidence after mastering a difficult play." 

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