MUSICAL fans all know and love the big hits of Chicago and Cabaret – but can now enjoy a lesser-known but equally big hit.

Adlington Music and Arts Society (AMAS) is bring Broadway to Bolton with a production of Curtains.

The musical by Fred Ebb and John Kander – the team behind Chicago and Cabaret – is a murder mystery set backstage of a Boston theatre.

Featuring everything you would expect from the acclaimed writers, the show opens as the leading lady in 'Robbin' Hood' takes her final bow and departs the stage - and life.

The Boston police lieutenant Frank Cioffi assigned to the case is, himself, a frustrated leading man who becomes engrossed in the production while sharing his time between pursing the killer and one of the principal ladies in the show.

Returning following his AMAS directorial success with Noises Off, Nick Angus once again aims to bring out the best from a talented cast.

He said: "When the opportunity came up to direct the musical comedy Curtains I was thrilled, as I have always loved the music of Kander and Ebb, and thoroughly enjoyed the cast recording of the show.

"What is so appealing about the show is that it is a modern musical, with many affectionate parodies of classical musical theatre.

"I feel that it is really important that societies and audiences show their support for new theatre, like Curtains, rather than solely continue to reproduce versions of classics, because theatre reflects social change and consequently encourages us to reflect on modern life and current issues."

Nick is joined by newcomer Jennie Miller on choreography and Jonny Cunliffe will make his debut as musical director.

Familiar faces will also grace the AMAS stage with John Preston making a welcome return to Adlington as the lieutenant

Curtains will run from October 24 to 28, starting at 7.30pm, at Adlington Community Centre in Railway Road. Tickets cost £10, to book call 07799 486876.