WHEN four amateur theatre producers and directors got together to write a new musical little did they realise their work would be praised by Britain's most successful impresario, Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

Leigh and Astley-based Phil Rowson, Witt Hadley, Paul Aitchison and David Jones, who wrote their version of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" in 1996 will see the show go on at Lowton Civic Hall in October.

Though most of the parts are cast tenors and baritones are urgently needed and rehearsals are taking place at TKs, Elliott Street, on Mondays from 7.30pm.

Phil said: "While the four of us, who met through theatre, went our own way we still continued to write and myself and Witt, who have been involved in producing and directing in numerous amateur groups, decided that the show was too good to be left lying. We were never 100% happy with the original and so spent three months revising it.

"After that we booked the hall and started rehearsals.

"In 1996 when we were two thirds the way through the musical we sent it of to Cameron Macintosh who replied,' I have 10 versions of The Hunchback in my office at the moment and this is by far the best', so maybe it must have something.

"We are still desperate for male singers and if anyone is interested they can contact me on 01942 893120."