YORK Musical Theatre Company is taking on extra concerts this summer, keeping voices active before next month’s auditions for the autumn production of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes.

On Saturday, July 26, company members will perform in Summer Serenade at St Mary’s Church in Thirsk, a new summer show co-organised by chairman Richard Bainbridge and Moira Murphy.

“We hope that concerts over the summer will become a regular occurrence for the company, adding to our annual Christmas concerts each year,” says Richard.

“We’re keen to keep our members busy over the summer, using the fantastic talent of our singers and soloists, including the new, younger members who’ve joined us, at a time of year when usually we’re a bit quieter.’”

Tickets for the 7.30pm concert cost £10, including summer refreshments, and can be booked at Giftag Chocolate Box or White Rose Books in Thirsk or by calling Sue Armstrong on 01845 522996.

On August 14, the company will join the Scarborough Spa Orchestra for the 7.45pm gala night From West End To Broadway, having first been invited to do so last year under the direction of Paul Laidlaw, pictured, musical director of both the orchestra and YMTC.

Last time, his focus was on Rodgers and Hammerstein; next month, his attention will turn to a wider range of West End and Broadway musicals at the Scarborough Spa Grand Hall. Tickets are on sale at £11 on 01723 821888.

Tap rehearsals are under way already for Anything Goes, in preparation for the October 21 to 25 run at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York. Open auditions will be held on Saturday, August 30 at St Olave’s Church Hall, just off Marygate, at times yet to be confirmed. These sessions are open to new members; more information on how to join or on the auditions is available by emailing Pat Kay at patricia.kay1@btinternet.com