CENTENARY celebrations for the Black Country’s longest running amateur operatic society will hit a high note when the curtain rises on its production of South Pacific.

To prepare for the mood of this Polynesian love story, principal performers from Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society visited to Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens to soak up the atmosphere among the palm trees and tropical plants.

More than 40 performers have been rehearsing since April to bring the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic to the stage.

Set during WWII, the show is packed with such famous songs as Some Enchanted Evening, Cockeyed Optimist, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair, Younger Than Springtime, Happy Talk and, of course, There Is Nothing Like A Dame.

The company has also secured the rights to present the song My Girl Back Home which was cut from the original Broadway stage version but included in the recent revival.

South Pacific is a premiere for CHAOS and was especially chosen for its centenary year, which has also been marked by a very auspicious dame, Dame Judi Dench, who has sent a signed photograph expressing her best wishes.

The show will run from Monday to Saturday November 10 to 15 at Brierley Hill Civic Hall.

Tickets from £10 to £11.50 are available from the box office hotline on 0121 585 7380.