IF you think your melodious trilling in the bath tub is worthy of a more appreciative audience than your rubber duck, your big break into the world of music could start right here in Bromsgrove, writes Pete Lammas.

The area's leading and most respected group of amateur songsters are on the look out for new talent to take part in their jubilee production of the smash hit musical Oklahoma!

The Bromsgrove Operatic Society incorporating Bromsgrove Musical Productions group celebrates its 25 anniversary this year and has chosen to mark the occasion by staging a lavish production of the musical at the town's Artrix theatre. It runs from May 8 to 13. What the group lacks in a snappy title is more than compensated for by its professional approach to music.

Society spokeswoman Elsa Slim said: "This is a great show and we are proud to be able to bring it to the Artrix.

"We would love to have some new members come along to share the exhilarating experience of performing in the new theatre.

"We are also looking for a man under the age of 40, to play the part of Will Parker, a lovesick cowboy, in the musical. "

The society was formed in February 1981.

A group of ten enthusiastic former members of the New Road Methodist Musical Society advertised that they were to meet at Watt Close School for the purpose of launching a town operatic society.

Unaware of the latent interest and local talent they put out 20 chairs, but were thrilled when 66 people turned up. The result was the birth of Bromsgrove Operatic Society. The late Jim Brook was voted its chairman, Elsa Slim secretary and Alison Williams its treasurer

Elsa and two other members of the society, George and Anne Brooks, are still significantly involved.

Elsa served as 'hon sec' for 17 years, the post now held by Anne.

George, meanwhile, has been a leading light for most of the group's history and has played many of the important roles bringing him high acclaim.

From, it must be said, rather a modest beginning and unambitious aspirations, the standard of productions has gradually risen to the point where they are now regarded as the premier group in the area.

The word 'operatic' in the title may give rise to the idea that the society is highbrow, but nothing could be further from the truth. Their repertoire is wide and varied and includes many popular productions.

They employ a professional stage director, choreographer and musical director who uses a full orchestra which is regularly praised for its excellence.

Recent shows have included Me And My Girl, Pirates Of Penzance, Guys And Dolls, Die Fledermaus, Half A Sixpence and Anything Goes. To celebrate their anniversary society members plan to hold a dinner in March.

Elsa says would-be members should not be put off making initial contact with the society for fear of not having being trained or feeling they are not up to standard. Enthusiasm, she said is a major plus point.

Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7.30pm at Lickey End & District Workmen's Club in Alcester Road.

For more details about joining or ticket information for Oklahoma! call 01527 872664.

The musical is classic Rogers and Hammerstein and tells the story of an idealised romance and violent passion set in the early 1900s.

It has some of the best loved tunes of any musical, including Oh What a Beautiful Mornin, The Surrey With The Fringe on Top and I'm Just a Girl Who Can't Say No.

Tickets for the show are expected to sell fast and it is advisable to buy them within the next couple of weeks.

The cost is £11 for the Monday and Tuesday performances, £12 for the rest of the week A family ticket costs £35.

So, don't be shy.

If you fancy having great fun and can hit the high notes as Cowboy Will, mosey on down to Lickey End for an audition.

If not, be sure to be there to enjoy what promises to be a rip roaring, foot tapping show that will lift the roof off the Artrix.