TWO large-scale community theatre projects are coming to Helmsley, and anyone interested in taking part is welcome to join in.

Dynamica theatre company, and the band Fine Chisel are looking for singers to take part in their promenade production of Icarus.

Made with the people of Pocklington, the production is part of York Theatre Royal’s On Our Turf project, which will tour three local towns, including Helmsley.

Anyone who enjoys singing, of any age, is welcome to attend the rehearsal workshop at All Saints’ Church, in Helmsley, on Saturday at 10am.

Performances will start in the church at 7.30pm, and conclude in the back room of The Feathers, on Saturday and Sunday. There is no charge to take part.

Tickets for the performances are available from Helmsley Arts Centre box office or York Theatre Royal.

Helmsley Arts Centre’s second community play is also getting underway, with auditions due to be held on May 1 and 4, with the performances on June 14 and 15. The play, Windypits, is written by award-winning writer Alfie Crow and directed by the arts centre’s artistic director, Em Whitfield Brooks, with original music by Tim Brooks.

Em said: “After the success of last year’s Drovers Road, we’re really looking forward to making another exciting theatre show with anyone, of any age, who would like to take part, no experience necessary.

“The play is a very local tale, telling the story of the human remains that were found up Slip Gill Caves, in Duncombe Park, in the 1950s, and Alfie is keen to talk to anyone who remembers either these skeletons being found, or anyone who remembers the TV programme that was made about the find more recently.

“We want to make sure the local story is told, and to involve as many people as possible, not only in the writing but in the performances too.”

Anyone who has more information or would like to get involved should phone Helmsley Arts Centre on 01439 772112 or visit the website at helmsleyarts.co.uk