AN?amateur dramatics group in Alton is set to embark on rehearsals ahead of a production next spring.

Alton Operatic and Dramatic Society will take to the stage next Monday, November 23, to start preparations ahead of a four-day run of Sister Act next May.

And society chiefs are appealing to newcomers to join in the fun.

Sister Act is described as a “vibrant and uplifting musical comedy” set in Philadelphia in the late 1970s. The story is similar to the film but the music is different. It was written by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors).

It tells the hilarious story of Deloris van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime, and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look – a convent. Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voice, as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

After the success of last year’s spring production, Orpheus in the Underworld, Jane Gray is taking on her second directorship with Sister Act.

Full of enthusiasm, Jane said: “Get in the habit and be in this great show!”

Alton Operatic and Dramatic Society needs more voices and more hands on board for this lavish production, and would love anyone interested, whether it be backstage, on stage or front of house, to go along to Alton Assembly Rooms at 7.45pm on November 23 to hear more about the show and its music.

The dramatic society’s creative team and new musical director Lizzie Hales will also be on hand.

There will be an opportunity the following Monday to sing through the audition pieces, for those interested in being part of the cast, with auditions at the Assembly Rooms on December 7.

Rehearsals will run through until the staging of the show from May 18-21, with full cast rehearsals initially being held on Mondays with the principals meeting on Thursdays.

To get involved, call the society’s honorary secretary, Pauline Catterall, on 01730 827200.