NEW Rosemere AODS will remind us all that Spring is on the way with its new production of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Gondoliers, which opens tonight at the Albert Halls, Bolton.

Premiered in 1889, The Gondoliers is the eleventh in the so-called Savoy operas, and it is one of the most frivolous pieces in the G&S catalogue.

There is no danger, social exposure or unrequited passion, and the satire that there is, on class and republicanism is of the gentlest kind.

Because of this, the operetta is played with a great deal of flamboyance and gaiety, something which the experts at New Rosemere will handle perfectly.

Ticket sales are going well, and New Rosemere chairman Bob Whitelaw said: "We are really pleased with progress that we have made on sales as rehearsals have reached their conclusion, and I think that this reflects the public's confidence in our ability to put on a top-notch show.

"The Gondoliers is the most tuneful of G&S's operettas and everyone loves the music. Sales are up on our last two years productions so I'd advise customers to book quickly if they want good seats. Saturday's performance is almost full."

This is the ninth time Rosemere have performed this show since the society was founded in 1927, and rehearsals at Deane United Reformed Church under MD Julia Killick and Producer David Slater have gone well as the Society awaits with baited breath to see if their double nomination for national awards for their last year's production of "Iolanthe" produces even better results.

New Rosemere has received two nominations for the National Operatic & Dramatic Association (NODA) awards. This year, NODA has nominated Rosemere for its 2006 production of Iolanthe in the Best Artistic Director and Best Staging categories.

Rita Whitelaw who led Rosemere's production said: "Everyone at Rosemere is delighted that Iolanthe has been nominated for these two awards. It really was a team effort and I had terrific support from the entire company. I can't thank them enough."

The Gondoliers runs from tonight until Saturday Tickets available from the Albert Halls Booking Office on 01204 334400 or from Ticket Secretary Helen Seager on 01204 300666