Where do I begin to tell this very special story?

Love Story is a musical version of the 1970 movie starring Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw.

The musical tells the story of the romance of Oliver and Jenny and follows them through good times and bad with weddings and new homes, disapproving parents and Jenny’s fatal battle with leukaemia.

The show is essentially a ‘two-hander’ with Otti Gauvain as Jenny and Kristian Cleworth as Oliver, but along the way we meet Oliver’s parents, played by local favourites Stephen Jamieson and Polly Bryan and returning to the Halifax stage is well known stage performer Ian Moorhouse as Jenny’s father Phil.

Not only will we see some of the best local talent on stage but heading up the creative team is well known Halifax stage and television star Neil Hurst as director. Neil said: “Sadly my days as the romantic leading man are long behind me but being able to direct this show, with such a small but talented cast, has been a joy and I am thrilled to introduce it to a Halifax audience”.

The music is certainly in safe hands too under the musical direction of Graham Robbins and played by some of the areas best musicians.

Not only is this a first for Halifax audiences but the musical also shares a Calderdale connection.

Halifax musical theatre star Emma Williams, currently wowing the West End in ‘Mrs Henderson Presents’, originated the role of Jenny. The show, which was produced by Michael Ball, was a huge success and has seen numerous productions worldwide.

Emma has been kindly giving advice to Neil on some of the more complex parts of the show and has sent her good luck messages to everyone involved. The show runs from Wednesday to Saturday, May 25-28 at the Halifax Playhouse. Tickets are £14 and £12 and can be bought online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/halifaxplayhousehirers or by phoning the box office on 01422 365998.

lDid you know that the most famous line from the film, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry”, was actually misspoken from the script. Originally the line was supposed to be: “Love means not ever having to say you’re sorry.”