SOUTHEND Operatic’s choice of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers as their latest show is the result of an unusual problem - the sort every am dram group would love to have.

The Wild West musical contains some of the most demanding and athletic dance routines in any show, but Sods should be up to the job.

“When we did West Side Story a couple of years ago, a lot of young male performers joined the society because they were keen to be in that particular show,” says the society’s Dick Davies, who was chairman at the time.

“Most societies are replete with female dancers. But it was unusual for us to have that many fellows in the line-up.

“When West Side Story was over, we set out to find another musical that would give them lots of opportunities, and it didn’t take long to decide on Seven Brides.”

Starting life as a 1954 film, Seven Brides rapidly turned into one of the most successful musicals in Hollywood history, thanks to a whole new style of fast-paced choreography, and a memorable Johnny Mercer score.

Hit songs include Bless Your Beautiful Hide, Spring, Spring, Spring, Going Courting, and Wonderful Day. It was adapted for the stage in 1982. Set in 1850, it is the story of seven brothers who run a farm together in the wilds of Oregon. The oldest brother Adam heads into town to find a bride, and after a whirlwind courtship, weds a gentle waitress, Milly.

Milly turns out to be more steely than she looks, and back at the ranch, she single-handedly tames the seven slobbish brothers. Her method for civilising them is to teach them to dance.

The six bachelor brothers then set out to find brides of their own. They end up by kidnapping the women of their choice from the town and heading off into the mountains with them.

The principal roles of Adam and Milly are played by Jonathan Buxton and Laura Hurrell. Laura starred in Sods’ spring show, the Producers, in which she portrayed the glamorous Ulla. This followed lead roles in My Fair Lady and West Side Story.

Jonathan was one of the intake who joined Sods for the chance to perform in West Side Story. He immediately landed the key role of the tragic Bernardo and followed this with the romantic lead part of Wild Bill Hickock in Calamity Jane.

This is the first staging of Seven Brides in the society’s 117-year history, and represents its 212th show.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is at the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff, from Wednesday, November 17, to Saturday, November 20, nightly at 7.30pm, with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Call 01702 351135.