TAKE That's Gary Barlow and playwright Tim Firth grew up in the same village on the Wirral and have been friends for 25 years. Now, they have switched to the other side of the Pennines to write a Yorkshire musical, The Girls.

Inspired by the story of the Calendar Girls, The Girls shows life in a Yorkshire village, how the calendar happened, the effect on husbands, sons and daughters and how a group of ordinary women achieved something extraordinary month by month by month.

After 14 number one singles, six Ivor Novello Awards, 50 million record sales and a critically panned Broadway musical, Finding Neverland, composer Barlow joins forces with Calendar Girls writer Firth to broaden the Yorkshire story with more characters and such songs as Yes, I’ve Had A Little Work Done; Sunflower; What Age Expects; Yorkshire and Dare.

In the company, playing Tommo, will be 18-year-old York actor, magician and entertainer Josh Benson, a precocious talent with stage, film and television credits to his name already. When word came of a late chance to audition for The Girls, he wasn't going to miss it, as he tells Charles Hutchinson ahead of Saturday's first preview.

Congratulations on being part of Yorkshire's most talked-about show of the year, Josh. How did you land your role in The Girls? What was the audition process?

"The producers spent a long time looking for a 'Tommo'. I had missed the initial open auditions but was invited to some later ones and I landed the role on my 18th Birthday after just two auditions, with the recall being on my 18th itself.

"I was narrowed down to the final two and then my audition tape was sent off to Gary Barlow and Tim Firth and apparently they both texted back within 15 minutes of receiving the video saying they wanted me!"

How did you feel when you were told the role was yours?

"Overwhelmed really, I still can’t quite believe it now. It was certainly the best 18th birthday present I could have wished for and one I’ll never forget."

How would you describe the role you’re playing?

"I play the role of Tommo, who is Cora’s son. Cora is Knapely WI’s choir-mistress, the daughter of a vicar and a single parent. Because of this, my character has a great relationship with his mum…and I’m very lucky to have the amazing Claire Machin playing her.

"Tommo is also best mates with Danny (Ben Hunter from Hull), and since Danny isn’t the smoothest of guys with the ladies, Tommo is always there to mentor him. Not always in the most helpful of ways to be honest, he’s all mouth. This is so much fun to play as I love comedy/cheeky roles, and Tim Firth’s writing is supreme."

How did the six weeks of rehearsals go in London before moving back up north to the Leeds Grand?

"Amazing. Such an experience to be working every day and seeing the project come together. Living in London was magical and it came just at the right time to be honest. All of my mates from York were whizzing away all over the country to university – I’ve just finished my A Levels at Archbishop Holgte's Sixth Form – and so it was perfect timing to be moving away in September to pursue my career. The company are incredible and I have learned (and continue to learn) so much from this experience."

How do you feel now, just before the opening show on Saturday?

"Leeds Grand Theatre is huge. No…it’s massive. I am nervous, but so excited, to be working on this amazing show in such a beautiful theatre. I’m also looking forward to being back on stage, having done mostly television/film acting work in previous years, such as Eric & Ernie, Casualty and Monroe. I love being on stage and I just can’t wait to get started."

What song/songs do you sing in The Girls?

"I sing in the ensemble for a couple of numbers and a short solo rendition of the song Girls, which many of the male characters (husbands) sing throughout. My version is sung to Danny as Tommo ‘mentors' him about the slightly older generation of lady."

How does it feel, performing in the world premiere of a Gary Barlow show in Yorkshire? How closely have you and the cast been working with the new Honorary Yorkshireman?

"Crazy. It’s Gary Barlow! It is such a privilege not only to be working with Gary but also to be involved in 'Yorkshire’s Own Musical'. Those who know me know I’m Yorkshire born and bred…I eat chips with gravy and drink a lot of tea basically. So for that reason I am honoured.

"Gary has been in a lot watching and tweaking bits here and there and will continue to be involved in the process as we start our 16 preview shows this Saturday. He’s a brilliant guy."

How does The Girls differ from Calendar Girls, the play, and Calendar Girls, the film? There’s the music, obviously, but what else?

"This musical offers a whole new perspective to the story. By now, from the film and play, we all know the timeless and incredibly inspiring story, but what this show does, as well as adding fantastic music, is allow us to look the the response of the Girls’ husbands, kids and people in the village of Knapely, which adds a new dimension."

What is your favourite Gary Barlow/Take That song and why?

"Gary Barlow’s Since I Saw You Last is awesome; I love the story behind it. Take That would have to be Shine because I love a ‘showbiz’ number."

If you could pose in a calendar, what would your pose be and why?

"Probably something that shows off my incredibly defined physique…I work really hard to maintain my six pack."

The world premiere of Gary Barlow and Tim Firth's The Girls runs at Leeds Grand Theatre from Saturday to December 12; press night is on December 1, so you'll just have to wait for The Press review after a fortnight of previews. Box office: 0844 848 2700 or leedsgrandtheatre.com