Using drama, music, song, story-telling and old photographs, The Dam Play tells about the building of Nidderdale's reservoirs, Gouthwaite, Angram and Scar.

Nevin Ward, who was commissioned to write the play for Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society, said: "I've been amazed at the reaction to the play - the reservoirs seem to strike a chord with people, and I've had comments from all over the country from those who either saw the play in 2007, or saw articles in the press or on TV.

"There will be few changes to the script or presentation - we will use the same mix of drama, music, story-telling, songs and wonderful photographs from the dam-building era. Two of the original cast have moved on, but we have excellent replacements to add to the outstanding group who performed so brilliantly last time."

Before writing the play, Nevin undertook extensive research in libraries and museums, but he says his real find was meeting former Scar Village residents who had lived there while Scar Dam and Reservoir were being constructed.

As well as writing the words, Nevin also composed songs which underline the story, and which proved very popular with the audiences in its first run.

Music is provided by Stephen Rouse on melodeon and fiddle, Michael Thorne on banjo, and Nevin on guitar and bodhran, and, in one scene, by a silver band formed from Nidderdale bandsmen and women.

Nevin said: "Since word got out that we were staging the play again, people have been desperate to buy tickets - we could probably have sold out the ten-night run already - but the first tickets will be released when they go on sale to the public at The Playhouse at 2pm tomorrow.

"We're expecting the same sort of stampede that we get for our ever-popular Pantomimes, so people should be aware that there will be a huge demand for tickets."

Nevin added that because the play was such an ambitious and demanding presentation, it could be the last time it is staged.

• Performances will be from Tuesday, 20 to Saturday, 24 January at 7.30pm, and from Wednesday, 4 to Saturday, February 7 at 7.30pm, with a matinee on Sunday, February 8 at 2.30pm.

After January 3, tickets can be obtained from the Playhouse on Saturdays 2pm to 4pm, or by ringing 0781 696 1854 from 2pm to 6pm Mondays to Saturdays.

Further details can be found on the PBDS website: www.pateleyplayhouse.co.uk