GRANGE Amateur Operatic Society is in full swing this week staging Sister Act: the Musical.

Running at the Victoria Hall from Tuesday until Saturday (February 27-March 3), the show is based on the massive 1992 hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg, but has been creatively adapted for the stage by writers Bill and Cheri Steinkellner. A modern toe-tapper with a five star feelgood factor, the show's score is full of gospel infused, disco numbers by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater.

The plot involves disco diva Deloris Van Cartier - played by local leading lady Samantha Grundy - who, after getting into a bit of hot water with gangster boyfriend Curtis (played by familiar face Steve Low) and his thugs, Joey, TJ and Pablo (Kirk Robson, Thomas Kidd and Tobias Wright) is forced to hide in the Queen of Angels convent by police officer Eddie (Louis Simon). While at the convent Deloris learns the values of faith, loyalty and honesty from her new friends, including Sister Mary Robert (Olivia Muir) and larger than life Sister Mary Patrick (Trudi Carter). Deloris also manages to teach the nuns - and the audience - a thing or two about loosening up, singing loud and dancing the night away, under the watchful eye of Mother Superior, played by Pam Mellor.

Although a GAOS member for many years, Hannah Fish makes her directorial debut in Sister Act with Jane Thedham as musical director.

Performances start at 7.30pm with a 2pm matinee on the Saturday.

Tickets are available from Grange Information Centre located in the Victoria Hall or by telephone on 015395-34026.