The sun has been shining on Helston Theatre company this week with the opening of their production Sunset Boulevard The local theatre company are just one of a handful of groups across the UK who have been given permission to stage the Broadway and West End smash hit musical.

Running until Saturday, April 18 the show follows the fortunes of faded actress Norma Desond and young screenwriter Joe Gillis. The pair write a script for a new movie that hopes to catapult Norma back into the limelight.

Based on Billy Wilder’s classic movie, Lloyd Webber’s score gives added emotional power to this powerful and haunting story.

Director Paul Blaber is delighted with the results: “We are quite a small group to be putting on such an ambitious show.

“We have had so much support from local businesses, talented scenery designers, sound |technicians and film makers, the list goes on.

“We also have a brilliant cast who have worked tirelessly to learn the complicated score. I think we have done justice to one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s finest shows.”

The lead role of Norma Desmond is played by Helen Hartshorne, with Nathan Hooper taking the part of Joe Gillis. Helston Theatre stalwart Gary Hunt plays Max Von Mayerling, with Stephanie Rosewarne |playing Betty Schaefer.

The show is full of some of Lloyd Webber’s finest songs including, Surrender, With One Look, As If We Never Said Goodbye and the title song, Sunset Boulevard.

The show can be seen at The Epworth Hall, Helston until Saturday, April 18. Tickets are available from Gillian’s Larder, Helston and the Cornish Riviera Box Office at www.crbo.co.uk See www.sunsetcornwall.co.uk