The former member of operatic "boyband" G4 – who were X-Factor runners-up – will star in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical at Sheffield's Lyceum Theatre from this Monday (February 1).

Tenor Ansell had previously toured the world as part of the all-male singing quartet – and notched-up massive album chart success with the group before making a classical chart-topping solo album, Tenor at the movies.

Whistle down the wind is based on the 1960s film staring Hayley Mills and features numerous award-winning songs including No Matter What – which was a number one hit for Boyzone.

The plot follows farm girl Swallow's fateful discovery of a mysterious man hiding in her family's barn. When she asks his identity, the first words he utters are "Jesus Christ" – and Swallow believes her prayers have been answered. While the rest of the townsfolk are searching for a fugitive who has escaped from jail, Swallow gathers the town's children who make a pact to protect their new found saviour from the cruelties of the outside world.

The show runs nightly until February 6, with matinee performances on February 4 and 6.

Evening shows start at 7.45pm and matinee performances begin at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £17-£31. To book call 0114 2496000.