SET against the dramatic backdrop of an idyllic South Pacific island during the Second World War, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s much-loved musical intertwines the themes of romance, duty, and prejudice into one mighty show.

Inspired by the Pulitzer Prize-winning book Tales of the South Pacific by James A Michener, South Pacific follows two love stories: Nellie, a US Navy nurse stationed on the island, and her beau Emile de Becque, a worldly, wealthy, middle-aged French expatriate who owns and lives on a plantation on the island and has two children from his late Polynesian wife. At the same time, US Lieutenant Cable falls for a beautiful island native named Liat.

Grange Amateur Operatic Society brings the thrilling music, glorious sunshine and blue seas of the hit Broadway musical to the seaside town's Victoria Hall, from Tuesday this week until Saturday (March 4).

Heading up the hard-working GAOS production team are producer, Jean Malkin, musical director, Jane Thedham, and choreographer, Gail Low.

The cast of 39 members, which includes five talented children, stars Eleanor Fonth as Nellie Forbush; Steve Low takes the part of Emile; Ann Heap plays Bloody Mary; her daughter Liat is played by Daisy Skyrme; Simon McCleery is in the role of Lieutenant Joseph Cable; Mick Malkin is Captain Brackett and playing Commander Harbison is Alistair Rae.

Performances start at 7.30pm with a 2pm matinee on the Saturday. Tickets are available from Grange Information Centre or on 015395-34026.