ONE of the most popular musicals of all time will be performed by members of Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society next month.

The society, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, will present My Fair Lady at the Rose Theatre from Thursday, March 2 until Saturday, March 11.

It will be the fourth time in its history that the society, which has around 80 members and is based at the New Meeting Hall, Church Street, has performed the popular musical.

Around 50 members, who range in age from eight to 70, make up the cast and are supported by 20 members working backstage and front of house.

The show tells the story of common flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, and her transformation into a society lady by Professor Henry Higgins.

Emily Preece, 17, of Kidderminster, will be playing the part of Eliza and her parents, Sue and Dave, who met as young members of the society, playing Carrie and Mr Snow in the 1985 production of Carousel, are also involved.

Mrs Preece is the production's musical director and Mr Preece will be directing the cast.

The part of Eliza's father, Alfred, will be played by Steven Coussans, Nigel Preece will be Henry Higgins, Julian Richards will be Freddie Eynsford-Hill and Chris Paine will be Colonel Pickering.

Emily's grandparents, Graham and Maureen Wyer, also met as members of the society and fell in love playing the parts of Curly and Laurie in the 1950s production of Oklahoma. Mr Wyer is president of the society and also holds The National Operatic and Dramatic Association - NODA - 60-year long service award.

Songs from the musical include Wouldn't It Be Loverly?, On The Street Where You Live, With A Little Bit of Luck, I'm Getting Married In The Morning and Get Me To The Church On Time.

The society's previous productions include Key for Two, staged at the Rose Theatre in September and Me and My Girl last March.

Society business manager, Denise Churchett, said rehearsals were going well, adding: "We're just at the fine tuning stage - learning lines and finishing the sets.

"The cast are really looking forward to it. People can expect a great performance."

Tickets are available from the box office on 01562 743745.