Casting has been announced for The Carole King Songbook which premieres in Yeadon in June before embarking on a UK tour.

The production at Yeadon Town Hall will feature a host of local up-and-coming stars.

Eve Kitchingman joins the cast fresh from her role performing at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. Eve has previously had roles in Futurist Theatre Productions and LIDOS shows, receiving a Leeds Guild Award in 2018.

She said: “Carole King is such a legendary and inspiring

singer-songwriter, so I am honoured to be given the opportunity to perform some of her iconic music. Yeadon Town Hall is very special to me and has played a huge role in my life as a performer so I can’t wait to be part of this new and exciting chapter.”

Kara Mottram has previously travelled Europe as lead vocalist and dance captain for TUI and First Choice Holiday Villages. Her theatre credits include: Fairy Flora (Sleeping Beauty) and Belle (Beauty and the Beast) for Fame Factory Spotlight. Since returning to Yorkshire, Kara has worked as a theatre and dance teacher and will launch her new dance school, KM Academy of Dance, later this year.

Danny Dixon works across the UK as a vocalist for live events and musical theatre, and has a host of theatre credits to his name. These include: O ver The Wire (Menin Gate Belgium 2018), T he Wind Road Boys (Regional Tours 2018, 2016; Edinburgh Fringe 2014), and Jesus Christ Superstar (Durham

Cathedral 2015).

He said: “Carole King is the songwriter of a generation and an inspiration to musicians everywhere. It is an incredible opportunity to showcase her catalogue of iconic hits across the UK.”

The cast is completed by actor and singer-songwriter Thomas Lillywhite. His television credits include A ckley Bridge, Emmerdale, Heartbeat, My Spy Family and ITV’s T he Royal . He has also appeared in many theatre and musical theatre productions, including Helena Fox’s Bomb Happy in 2017.

Jamie Hudson, Director of Yeadon Town Hall CIC and Producer of T he Carole King Songbook , said: “We wanted to give young professionals an opportunity to grow and develop, offering an exciting chance to tour the UK and show the country our Town Hall talents. Many of the cast, including Eve and Thomas, have worked with youth theatre company Futurist Theatre Productions which is based at Yeadon Town Hall - so they have strong connections with Yeadon. We know the Yorkshire region has a lot to offer the arts and creative industry, and being able to champion local talent is particularly important to us.”

The show will be directed by Louise Denison. Marie Collins takes on the role of Musical Director. Live music will be provided by a professional band, made up of musicians Darren Watson, Alex Hogg, Hugh Vincent and Michael Turnbull.

The Carole King Songbook showcases the musical genius of one of the world’s greatest songwriters. With performances of her classic hits, including songs she wrote for other artists such as The Drifters,.

The show runs from June 13 to 15 before embarking on a UK tour in the summer.