In the end, players needed a sun shade!

Heptonstall Players, at Weavers Square at the heart of Heptonstall village, and Calder High School students, who took a guest spot at Heptonstall as well as taking their production to Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge, Todmorden, Midgley, Pecket Well and Luddenden, performed the traditional and hugely entertaining tale of death and rebirth to good audiences.

Performances helped attract visitors to the Calder Valley over Easter, spreading the message that the area is open for business following the Boxing Day floods.

Heptonstall Players promoted their event with a special rhyme referencing the flooding, with charismatic character Tosspot coming prepared with an old life belt. But in the event sunshine helped raise a good total for two good causes, said David Burnop, who also played the Doctor - £572.47 each for the Community Foundation for Calderdale’s Flood Relief Fund and East African Playgrounds.