Final preparations are underway as a local theatre company gets ready to stage a production of one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most famous musicals.

Community theatre company, Tip Top Productions, is set to bring the iconic West End and Broadway musical Cats to the Anthony Hopkins Theatre at Mold's Theatr Clwyd next month.

Boasting a score featuring songs including Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats, Mr Mistoffelees and Memory, Cats is based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The musical remains one of the longest running West End and Broadway shows, with the original production featuring star names including Elaine Paige and Brian Blessed.

The production at Theatr Clwyd will be directed and choreographed for Tip Top by Rob Stevens, with musical direction by Tim Jones.

The show marks Tip Tops' return to staging full scale musicals post-covid, following on from the success of The Show Must Go On and Tip Top's Summer of Musicals, two musical compilation concerts staged at Theatr Clwyd last year under strict Covid restrictions.

Speaking about returning to Theatr Clwyd, Tip Top's artistic director Steve Davies said: "We're thrilled to be able to return to Theatr Clwyd in March and delighted the venue is maintaining such a great programme of productions whilst the huge refurbishment is taking place.

"Cats is lining up to be one of our fastest ever selling productions. It just shows how hungry people are to return to live theatre."

Previously based at The Forum Studio Theatre in Chester, Tip Top have also announced a new season of productions and social events which will be staged at various local venues throughout 2022, including Calendar Girls The Musical, in July which sees the company take to the stage at Storyhouse in Chester for the very first time.

The show's production team is currently keen to hear from potential cast members, with auditions due to be held at Christleton High School near Chester on Sunday, March 6, from 10am.

Other shows planned for 2022 include the stage version of classic BBC comedy Keeping Up Appearances. Social events include Made From Scratch, a showcase for new writing and Gender Bend, an open mic night with a gender twist.

• Cats will be at Theatr Clwyd from March 16-19, 7.30pm, with a matinee at 2.30pm. Full details and booking information for Cats and the auditions for Calendar Girls can be found at www.tiptopproductions.co.uk