A Musical which has not been performed in over 20 years is being brought to Bolton.

The Desert Song filled with romance and a touch of comedy is being staged by The Operetta Company.

The company is bringing the lavish production to Bolton after securing the rights to perform the play which was inspired by stories of Lawrence of Arabia and set during the 1925 uprising of the Riffs a group of Moroccan fighters, against French colonial rule.

Against this backdrop a love story unfolds between the dashing leader of the French troops, known only as The Red Shadow and the heroine Margot.

The Desert Song is said to be one of the most internationally successful and enduring of Sigmund Romberg's long line of musical play,

It will be performed at Trinity Church in Farnworth in March, after the company — celebrated for its staging of older musical shows — was granted permission and given the license to perform it.

Jean Forrester, publicity officer, said: "The show has not been available for either professionals or amateur companies to stage for well over 20 years, but after searching for the whole of this time, our tenacious and fantastic Chairman and founder, Allen Christy-Casson, eventually tracked down the people concerned, who were delighted to allow us to present our semi-staged version of this magical operetta classic."

And there is a chance for a high tenor to join the cast and play the 'lovely' role of Syd-el-Kar — The Red Shadow's Arab lieutenant, as rehearsals get underway.

Jean said the romantic musical adventure has 'everything'.

She said: "Fantastic music, a handsome hero, The Red Shadow, and his waltzing invitation to Valentino-style bliss in the title song Blue Heaven and You and I; a feisty heroine, Margot, who obviously falls for his charms, telling her secrets in the showpiece Sabre Song."

The musical director is Robert Aston, producer is Mr Christy-Casson and pianist is Nicola Dagnall

Jean added: "The show will sweep you along across the desert, to the courtyard of the general's house and back again. I am sure that the ladies in the audience will want to be carried off into the desert by the Red Shadow on his white charger!"

The performance will be at Trinity Church on Wednesday, March 7 to Friday, March 9 at 7.30pm and Saturday, March 10 at 3pm.

Tickets are £10 or £8 for rear seats and for more information ring 01204 706531.