THIS is not one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most famous musicals, but their names guarantee foot-tapping songs.

State Fair is a girl-meets-boy, boy-meets-girl story which does not tax too many brain cells.

But Rodgers and Hammerstein shows are all about the songs, and St Philip's did them justice.

Abel Frake, wife Melissa, and their grown-up children Margy and Wayne travel to the annual State Fair amid great excitement.

Once there, husband and wife get caught up in competitions, while son and daughter look for love.

Alistair Campbell is excellent as Wayne, who loses his heart to glamorous Emily Arden, perfectly played by Delaney Brindle.

Jenny Bowling was outstanding as Margy, while Adrian Pollitt, as the larger-than-life Abel, proved a fine actor and singer. The dance numbers were superb, thanks to choreographer Barbara Grant and her cast.

Yes, it was a shame that there were not more well-known tunes.

But this show has never before been staged by an amateur group in Bolton -- so make the most of it!

Runs until Saturday.

Beverly Greenberg