SADDLE up for a Texan adventure when York College musical theatre students present The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas on June 14 and 15 as the climax to their Level 3 BTEC course.

This Tony Award-winning musical by Larry L King and Peter Masterson, with music and lyrics by Carol Hall, is based on a true story of a brothel's fight to survive.

The story follows the town’s Sheriff (played by Henry Baxter, formerly of Scalby School) as he strives to keep the brothel’s doors open when a loud-mouthed political opportunist (Robert Fisher, formerly of Tadcaster Grammar School) rallies for the cathouse to be shut down.

Tutor Carla Maskery says: “While the show is based on the historical Chicken Ranch, the bordello isn’t the raunchy, ill-mannered institution the sensational reporter portrays it to be. There’s humour in the thought that the most honest character is Miss Mona, the madam (played jointly by Maya Bartley O’Dea, formerly of Tadcaster Grammar School, and Holly Louth, formerly of Scalby School).

"With big dance routines and even bigger wigs, the production is a fitting swansong for the students as they move on to drama schools around the country. I congratulate them all as they whole-heartedly embrace the ethos of this musical, pushing their singing, dancing and acting skills to the next level.”

Matthew Hodsman-Summers, formerly of Norton College, plays the dual roles of the Governor and Senator Wingwoah. “I’ve enjoyed the challenge of mastering two roles for this production," he says. "The show has some great characters that audiences can't fail to connect with. I've learnt so much on this course, which will stand me in good stead when I progress to Masters Performing Arts College in Essex in September.”

Holly Louth is delighted to be taking on the shared lead role of Miss Mona. “It’s a great part and I feel lucky to have this opportunity to lead the cast in such an appealing production. Thanks to the great teaching here, I know my acting, singing and dancing have improved so much. I'm so excited to be progressing to ALRA in London where I'll concentrate more on acting, which is my preferred discipline.”

For fans of the Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds film, this is the chance to experience the songs and story on stage, at the Alan Ayckbourn Theatre, York College next week. Tickets for the 1.30pm and 7pm shows on June 14 and 15 are available from the York College finance office on on 01904 770495.