Stewart played Jean-Luc Picard in the smash hit cult series. He is supporting the Calder Valley Youth Theatre when they stage Dazzle next week.

Dazzle is a Star Trek-spoof featuring characters such as Captain Sam Galactic and Mr Speck, son of Spock.

The actor, who also starred in the hit film X-Men, has sent four signed photographs which will be auctioned at performances of Dazzle at Hebden Bridge Picture House. He has also sent a message of encouragement which will be printed in the Dazzle programme.

Stewart, who was born in Mirfield and now lives in the States, began acting in theatre groups in the area from the age of 12. He left school aged 15 to become a junior reporter on his local newspaper, but had to resign after his editor told him he was spending too much time at the theatre and not enough working.

He tells the Dazzle crew: “In the 1950s, the existence of youth theatre in the Calder Valley provided me with my earliest opportunity to act and learn about acting, plays and the theatre.

“Without it my career would never have begun. I am so glad that those same opportunities exist for young actors, directors and writers today. I sincerely hope you enjoy this performance of Dazzle.”

Stewart is the chancellor of Huddersfield University, where the producers of the last two CVYT shows, Yvonne White and James Henshaw, studied drama. He added that he hopes one day to attend a CVYT performance.

The show is being produced by teacher and former Calder High School head boy, Matthew Parker. It features local children and teenagers, including Tom Garrod as Sam Galactic, and Elise Haigh as Dazzle Star. Other leading parts will be played by Emma Alderson, David Burnip, Zoe Cox, Georgina Hudson, Jack Mitchell, Isaac Rose and Billy Smith

Matthew Parker, a teacher at Castle Hill School, who lives at Old Town, Hebden Bridge, will produce and direct the futuristic science-fiction musical comedy, Dazzle.
In stark contrast to last year's traditional musical Calamity Jane, Dazzle is set to sixties-style rock music written by Andrew Parr, and is described as a Star Trek spoof with elements of Dr Who and Star Wars. It features the heroine Dazzle Star, the dashing captain Sam Galactic, a character called Mr Speck, and a chorus that includes a fleet of space pirates.
Youngsters between the ages of eight and 18 are invited to an initial get-together at the rehearsal rooms (at the rear of the Council Offices) in Hebden Bridge at 7pm on Tuesday, May 10. The auditions will be held on Sunday, May 23.

"There are lots of exciting solo parts and great chorus parts as well, " said Mr Parker. He is well-known locally for his work with the Koyote Dream Theatre, and he has also directed and produced his own musical shows with school children.
The choreographer is the internationally acclaimed dancer known as Smoow.
Dazzle will take to the stage at the Hebden Bridge Picture House from October 6 to 8.
 

In the meantime, the young stars of the CVYT will have another chance to demonstrate their dazzling talents with their annual favourite variety show, Calder Kidz in Concert. This will be staged at the Hebden Bridge Little Theatre on April 28, 29 and 30.

Highlights this year include a sequence from Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat, numbers from other hit musicals including Oliver and Chicago, tap and street dancing, and a guest appearance from the nation's best loved teenage delinquent, Vicki Pollard.
Pictured are members of Calder Valley Youth Theatre.