A brand-new murder mystery play is in the works, focusing on Chesterfield’s most famous landmark, the Crooked Spire.

Songs from the medieval-based musical will be performed by community interest company, Ashgate Heritage Arts (AHA) in the historic church on the afternoon of Saturday, 16th October 2021.

This is set to be followed by a full production of the musical at the Pomegranate Theatre in May 2022.

Peter Gray, one of AHA’s directors said: “Last year we gained an Arts Council Grant to make a 40 minute video of part of the story. We streamed this in December and is now showing at Buxton Festival Fringe. Now we are going to assemble a company of 15 professional actors and musicians and recruit local choristers to put the show on at the Pomegranate.

“This story is perfect for Chesterfield. Our Crooked Spire is an icon for the town. What better way to mark our recovery from the Covid pandemic than to stage this family-friendly, life-affirming show?”

The musical has been written by Mary Hennessy, Martin Coslett and Peter Gray. It is based on the novel, ‘The Crooked Spire’ by Chris Nickson. The Director is Jake Smith, who has worked with the National Theatre, the Almeida Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and Hull Truck Theatre and on Sting’s musical The Last Ship. The Musical Director is Harry Style of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

A second application to the Arts Council has been made, and AHA is also looking to raise funds in the local community, via sponsorship from individuals, organisations and companies.

One of the quirky sponsorship packages on offer is to get your name as an Angel in the musical. All sponsors will be acknowledged on the production’s website and in the show’s programme.

For more details about the play, contact AHA at productionoffice@ashgateheritagearts.co.uk or visit the website, www.ashgateheritagearts.co.uk