IT'S the big one! Farnworth AODS are jubilant after securing the rights to perform Mack and Mabel after being on the waiting list for five years.

The copyright holders have recently released the show for amateur performance and Farnworth have been granted a contract to perform it from April 10 to 15 next year at the Albert Halls, Bolton. It will celebrate the 70th year of the society's inauguration.

There will be other events during the year, culminating in a celebration dinner at the Pack Horse Hotel in November 2000.

The society describe the show as "breathtaking".

Their publicity officer adds: "It has everything - glamour, comedy, pathos, spectacles, beautiful costumes and a true story, but most of all it has Jerry Herman's haunting musical score."

People may particularly remember the music being used by Ice skaters Torvill and Dean.

The show originally opened on Broadway in October,1974, with Robert Preston in the role of Mack Sennett, the famous film director of silent movies. Sennett fell in love with his leading lady, Mabel Normand.

Although the show was not an instant success, it eventually gained fans all over the world. But it was not until 1995 that a professional production of the musical was staged in this country - first at the Leicester Haymarket and later at the Piccadilly Theatre, London.

The show charts Mack and Mabel's stormy relationship from 1916 to 1932.

Memorable tunes include the haunting I Won't Send Roses, and there's a new number never before performed by amateurs. It's Hit 'Em On The Head which is a spoof of the hilarious Keystone Cops' chases.

Make a date in your diary for the show. Further detailswill be available about booking early in the New Year.

Bernard Smith is the director /choreographer and the music rehearsals are under the baton of newcomer Chris Thorpe and start on September 13. Auditions are on Monday, September 19.

It's a busy time for Farnworth as they are also rehearsing for their contribution to the Showcase Charity performance on November 21 at the Manchester Palace where they will perform A Life On The Ocean Wave. Immediately after that they go into rehearsal for their 2000 revue - We Built a Stairway to Paradise.

More presssing is their production of Sailor Beware at Farnworth Little Tehatre from September 21 to 25. Tickets for the play are available from 01204 527092.

Anyone interested in joining the society should telephone the secretary on 01204 574369.

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