AN eclectic mix of quality music and comedy drama is coming to Helmsley Arts Centre leading up to Easter.

On Thursday, April 3 Ryedale School’s A Level Music Students will give a recital of the solo pieces they have prepared for their examinations. The programme will include a broad range of instrumental and vocal pieces from these talented young musicians, all performed to the highest standard.

The Arts Centre welcomes two classical singers, both well-known to local audiences, accompanied by the pianist Christopher Glynn, also known as the Ryedale Festival’s Artistic Director on Friday, April 4.

Bibi Heal (soprano) is a compelling and communicative singer and performer, who is currently working with the Kosmos Ensemble - known for its ground-breaking merging of classical and Eastern European styles.

Her numerous operatic and concert engagements have been with Opera North and many other well-known orchestras.

Charlotte Tetley (mezzo soprano) sang with Glyndebourne for two years in both the Festival and Touring Opera after graduating from Cambridge. She is passionate about singing Lieder and has recently been performing recital and oratorio repertoire. This will be undoubtedly be an evening to remember.

Unfortunately the performance of Manasamitra’s Rudra, scheduled for Saturday, April 5 has been cancelled. This is due to circumstances beyond the control of Helmsley Arts Centre, which sends apologies to all who bought tickets for this event.

However, preparations are now well under way for the resident theatre group’s next production.

Possibly the most productive of local amateur groups, the 1812 Theatre Company’s very own medieval mystery play The Helmsley Mysteries will take to the stage from Wednesday, 9 to Saturday , April 12 at 7.30pm.

Adapted and directed by award-winning writer Alfie Crow this spectacular retelling of stories from the Bible is a perfect show for Easter time.

This is “truly the greatest story ever told in Helmsley” offering a hilarious and poignant whistle-stop tour from Genesis to Armageddon via Lucifer, Noah, Moses, Lazarus and Jesus. Expect laughter, temptation, passion, miracles and sheep, all with a local touch.

To book tickets go to the art centre website at www.helmsleyarts.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01439 771700.