FISHGUARD Musical Theatre Society presents its first musical, Whistle Down the Wind, this week. The cast has been rehearsing since November, under director Clare Malone-Hallett, and consists of singers of all ages from school children to pensioners.

The musical, a story of faith, friendship and love by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman, is set in 1959 Lancashire where three siblings discover an escaped convict hiding out in their family's barn.

The young girl, Kathy Bostock, asks the stranger who he is. after a confusing exchange the children jump to the conclusion that he is Jesus Christ, prompting the children to protect the man to avoid crucifixion.

Meanwhile the townspeople are determined to catch the fugitive hiding it their midst. As fantasy and reality collide, Kathy is torn between the two and begins to discover who she is and where she is going.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's emotive score combines hauntingly beautiful love songs and explosive rock music with lyrics by acclaimed rock'n'roll songwriter Jim Steinman.

"This is our first musical," said Clare. "Some of the cast have never been on stage before and for some of the young leads have never had a lead role before.

"We hope the local community will support his wonderful cast on their first ever musical.

"The cast has become a family laughing and having fun each week together. It's been wonderful to see them explore their emotions and grow in ability."

Whistle Down the Wind is performed by arrangement with Josef Weinberger. There is an advisory age restriction of six years.

Performances are at Fishguard's Theatr Gwaun at 7pm on Thursday, April 27, Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29. There is also a matinee on Saturday at 2pm.

Tickets are available from Theatr Gwaun and cost £6 for adults, £4 for children and £18 for a family ticket.