AFTER taking centre stage in the classical musical Half-a-Sixpence back in the 80s, Louise Cohen is now playing a starring role backstage in the production.

CATS Youth Theatre are bringing the smash hit show to the stage under the direction of award-winning director Louise.

A spokesman for the theatre company said: "This musical is close to the heart of director Louise Cohen as she appeared in this musical in 1987 with St Peters Methodist Church along with husband, Paul Cohen played the lead part of Arthur Kipps.

"Louise choreographed a production of Half a Sixpence in 2005 for St Catherine's ­— now Five Saints ­— which Paul directed.

"Paul also directed a production of the show in 2012."

And in next month's production her daughter Em Cohen will be choreographing the show and starring in it.

The spokesman added: "Louise is pleased to be working along side her daughter, Em.

"As you can see, Half a Sixpence has followed Louise, Paul, and now Em through their amateur theatre career!"

The musical, made famous by Tommy Steele, centres around Arthur Kipps who finds out love is worth its weight in gold, after coming into money and losing it again.

Audiences can once again enjoy songs such as Flash, Bang, Wallop, A Proper Gentleman and Money to Burn and fabulous dance routines.

"Rehearsals are fun, whilst energetic and the entire cast are looking forward to bringing the story of Arthur Kipps to life," said the spokesman.

Elliot Hogben takes the lead role of Arthur Kipps whilst Em Cohen plays the part of Ann, Arthur's childhood sweetheart and Lucy White plays Helen Walsingham, the other love interest.

Half a Sixpence, runs from May 8 to 11 at Bolton St Catherine's Academy, Stitch Mi Lane, Harwood.