Rehearsals are in full swing for a celebration of the best of the West End and Broadway, as a Wrexham and Chester-based theatre company prepares to make a welcome return to the main stage at Theatr Clwyd, in Mold.

With theatres slowly getting back to normal following their enforced closure during the pandemic, Tip Top Productions will return to the Anthony Hopkins Theatre at Theatr Clwyd for the first time since 2019, with The Show Must Go On.

The show, which Tip Top describe as "a love letter to musical theatre", will feature songs from popular musicals including old favourites like West Side Story and Mamma Mia! and newer smash hit shows such as Everyone's Talking About Jamie.

The show's director, Phil Cross, spoke about the impact of lockdown on Tip Top's members and finally being back in the rehearsal room after almost two years.

He said: "The past couple of years have had a massive impact on the theatre community in general.

"Tip Top produced 12 shows in 2019 and three in the first three months of 2020. To then suddenly stop and cancel three shows that were being planned was really tough.

"We didn't know what to do with ourselves, we put all of our efforts into connecting with our members, friends and supporters online, creating over 20 events via Zoom during the various lockdowns.

"People, who may have otherwise been isolated were really appreciative of this online community."

Phil added: "When given the opportunity to go back to the main house at Theatr Clwyd, after the success of their two outdoor seasons over the last two years, we were determined to give as many people the opportunity of getting involved and performing again as possible and the decision was made to have three casts so we could rehearse separately.

"We have a youth group, an adult ensemble group and an adult singing and dancing group, who have loved being back in the rehearsal room prepping for The Show Must Go On.

"It has been delightful to hear our cast singing in harmony and watch them come together to create something wonderful.

"The Show Must Go On is our musical compilation that celebrates silver linings, looking forward with hope and the value of a community."

• The Show Must Go On runs at Theatr Clwyd from Wednesday, October 27 to Saturday, October 30, at 7.30pm, with a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Saturday, October 30. Full details or tickets visit www.chestertheatre.co.uk.