Auditions for Bev Jones's musical, Penny Millionaire

Anyone interested in performing in the York composer's final world premiere is advised to attend one of two preview launches in the Melrose Stand at York Racecourse, either on Saturday at 2.30pm or Sunday at 6.30pm this weekend.

"It would be good to get a real cross section from all walks of life, male, female, aged 17 to 65, coming to audition later this month," says producer Lesley Jones, Bev's wife. "But first, because it's an unknown musical, we've decided to hold these preview sessions. This will enable people to come along and hear the music; meet the production team, listen to the story; discover the characters and pick up audition pieces.

"They can also listen to Bev himself, via the magic of a DVD recording, singing a couple of the lead songs; plus a brand new recording of the finale, a six-part ensemble number, which Bev only finished the week before it was sent to London for copyright.

"A group of Bev's singers have met up with musical director James Rodgers and recorded this finale in a studio for the purpose of occasions such as this."

Penny Millionaire, the tragic tale of Paul Gauguin, the French Impressionist painter, began life as a joint venture between Bev and Stephen Ward in 1976. Later Bev completely re-wrote the musical with new arrangements, new songs and a new script with modern theatrical twists that he completed in 2012.

Bev, however, now resides in a Knaresborough nursing home with no memory of having written Penny Millionaire, and so Lesley has taken up the show's mantle, overseeing its progress from page to the stage of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in York in January 2016.

"Bev knew what he wanted to do to bring the musical into the present day, although being Bev, the music totally retains his passionate love for harmonious melodies throughout," says Lesley. "Not for Bev the Sondheim discords; instead he uses key changes to induce emotion. Bev could reduce himself to tears when composing if he wrote a beautiful chord ."

Penny Millionaire is a drama of passion, anger, frivolity, sorrow and most of all love, set in Paris and the South Seas, and as well as music that conjures the mood and feeling of each location, dancing will be a vital part of next year's show.

"The frivolous French Polka dances and the intense contemporary ballet Dancing With The Devil will contrast with the vivacious, exotic native South Sea Dances and the manic excitement of the jazz-style Parisienne city life," says Lesley. "That's why the dance auditions will be so important. The standard will be professional, as set by ex-West End choreographer Christine Aspinall, who worked with Bev for many years.

"Unusually, we have decided that the dancers do not have to sing – although it would be nice if they do – as we do not want to limit our choice by putting a barrier in the way. Quite simply, we want the very best dancers.

"Please note, dancers must be aged 17 and over at the time of the show. The dance will be quite complex and crossover dancers will feel most at home due to the variety of styles."

The vocal auditions will be a challenge, says Lesley, but they do offer scope for all ages and all voice ranges. "The major role of Paul Gauguin is a powerful one with six solos and it requires a strong acting ability," she adds. "We're aware that make-up and prosthetics can age people, so we will keep an open mind when listening to the auditionees. This is not a youth show; the age range covers life!"

Bev wrote parts to suit all ages, both male and female. "There are many many solos as well as ensemble numbers, 28 in total, so there's something for everyone," says Lesley. "Come and listen on Saturday or Sunday and if you enjoy what you hear, give it a go. All are welcome; you can take home the pieces you fancy and we'll give you a time slot between 1.30pm and 6pm on March 29."

Rehearsals are expected to take place from late-autumn. "They will fit in with cast commitments where possible," says Lesley. "We're flexible within reason, although some commitments over Christmas and the New Year may be anticipated."

Musical snippets from Penny Millionaire will be played at A Tribute To Bev Jones, Song And Dance Spectacular at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre on July 11, when the new cast will be invited to participate in the 2.30pm and 7.30pm performances.

Tickets for the tribute shows and Penny Millionaire are on sale already on 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

"This production is a real challenge for me, as Bev's wife, taking the challenge to hopefully fulfil his dream of one day staging a production of Penny Millionaire," says Lesley.

"Bev now resides in an EMI Mental Home and no longer recalls writing the musical, such is the tragedy of his illness, yet when I play the music from Penny Millionaire to him he weeps and says that it is so beautiful. And it is."