LEADING lady Lesley Haworth hopes audience members will be singing Hello Lesley during her first appearance with Pendle Hippodrome Theatre Company this week.

A long-standing member of Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society, Lesley played her dream role of Dolly Levi in the company’s production of Hello Dolly! and took her chance to play it again by auditioning for PHTC’s version, which opens at the New Market Street, Colne, theatre tomorrow.

A spokesman for PHTC said: “She could not believe her luck when, despite very fierce competition, she was again cast in her favourite role as Dolly Levi.

“A very talented lady, this will be Lesley’s first venture onto the Hippodrome stage, although she has appeared with many of our local societies, and of course, her own Clitheroe group where she appeared in their latest production Jekyll And Hyde: The Musical, last month.

“Lesley has made many new friends at the Hippodrome and as the company sings ‘Hello Dolly’ in their heads, they will be singing ‘Hello Lesley’ in their hearts.

“Hello Dolly follows the exploits of Dolly Levi and the superb cast of characters who surround her.

“It is a fun-filled, light-hearted musical packed with toe tapping hummable tunes and fabulous dance routines. “This delightful show has it all, romance, comedy and memorable music. From the title song Hello Dolly to Before The Parade Passes By there isn’t a dull moment.”

n Hello Dolly!, Pendle Hippodrome Theatre Company, Pendle Hippodrome, Colne, tomorrow until Saturday, 7.30pm, plus Saturday 2pm. Tickets £12, concessions £10, under 19s £8 from 01282 856186.