New play keeps it in the family...

A new play will be quite the family affair when four members of the same brood appear on stage together.

The Rawlinson family will bring much-loved characters to life in The Vicar of Dibley 2, which will run at the Todmorden Hippodrome from the end of the month.

Emily and Andrew Rawlinson have regularly trodden the boards at the Hippodrome over the past 30 years.

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They have now have passed the theatre bug on to their children Emma, 10, and Samuel, 7, who are pupils at Castle Hill Primary School and will join their mum and dad for what promises to be a heartwarming feast of festive fun.

Andrew, who works across the country for the Ambassador Theatre Group, said: “It is fabulous for us both to be on stage with Emma and Samuel.

“We are sharing our passion for theatre - something we have both loved from a very early age.

“I remember the first time I ever performed in a production at the Hippodrome, and that thrill and excitement never leaves you.

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“It’s such a buzz and to share that with your children and family is fantastic feeling.

“No matter what your hobby or pastime is, to share that passion with those you love is very rewarding. We are very much looking forward to being on stage performing together for the first time, rather than being in the audience and watching together.”

Emily, 36, and Andrew, 44, both joined the youth section of the society, then called TOYS (Todmorden Operatic Youth Section), performing in a variety of productions. Both ended up directing the youth society, before directing and performing in senior musical and drama productions.

Emily, who is assistant head teacher at Todmorden High School, last performed on the Hippodrome stage two years ago in the first production of The Vicar of Dibley and Andrew directed The 39 Steps in 2014.

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The latest production of The Vicar of Dibley has been edited from television scripts by local writer, actor and director Joyce Branagh.

It will run from November 30 to December 3 at 7.30pm each evening.

Tickets are available from www.todhip.org or in person at Todmorden Tourist Information Centre.