THE January 2016 world premiere of Bev Jones's musical Penny Millionaire at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, is taking shape.

Producer Lesley Jones has confirmed several elements are in place already.

"I have the 11-piece orchestra booked as the music forms the core of the musical, as you would expect from Bev," she says. "The hardest part is to find a replacement for Bev as the show's pianist, now that he lives in a Knaresborough nursing home, but I'm pleased to announce that David Plumpton, of the Royal Ballet, has agreed to play, very humbly, as he was a previous pupil of Bev's.

"Bev always said no one has the touch that David has, so that was good enough for me. He broke down and cried when I sent him the score and he played it through."

Lesley points out that next years's production will use the version of Penny Millionaire that Bev finished writing in 2012, and not the show he first staged in 1976.

"It was rewritten by Bev with new music added, and all new arrangements, and I've had it copyrighted," she says. "I still need to make a few alterations myself, because I need the finished result to be as near to Bev's vision as possible.

"It's quite a task: to be responsible for a Bev Jones production. It will never be as good without him being involved, but I'll do my best, with the help of a fantastic team."

What's On understands this team will be led by director John Hall and musical director Michael Thompson, two of the leading lights of York musical theatre, with further announcements to follow.

"I'll be holding an open meeting about the show before the year is out as so many people have heard about the show and are offering to help. It's quite humbling really," says Lesley.

Penny Millionaire's story is based on the tragic tale of Paul Gauguin, the French Impressionist painter, who started out as a rich successful stockbroker, who wanted nothing more than to paint but his wife objected.

"He quits the banking business, leaves his wife and children and heads off to the South Sea Islands, where he can concentrate on his painting, drawing inspiration from the colours and scenery all around him," says Lesley, outlining the plot.

"He falls in love with a native girl, but by now he is broke, whereupon he returns to Paris with some paintings, which are viewed favourably but his wife wants the money from them.

"He heads back to the South Seas, relying on a friend to sell more paintings and forward him the money, but his friend betrays him, and Gauguin falls ill and dies. All his work is shipped back to France and sells for a fortune, hence he finally becomes the millionaire of the title."

Bev's musical will be set in Paris and the South Sea Islands and will encompass traditional music and the feel of both places, with lavish dancing, including the South Sea Limbo dance to the beat of the drums.

"I want Penny Millionaire to appeal to all ages, even though it is unapologetically traditional in its musical style," says Lesley. "Bev's songs are full of passion, love and anger, and frustration and despair, but there are also light-hearted, comedic moments, as you would expect."

The Rowntree Theatre show will be a "not for profit" production. "Hopefully, Penny Millionaire will then be available for others in the future," says Lesley. "I'm applying to the Arts Council for funding for the design work needed, which, once built, can be used again."

"My wish is for Bev to see his work in his lifetime and hope I do it the justice it deserves," says Lesley.