ONE of the most well-known musicals Me and My Girl gets an innovative update courtesy of Eastleigh Operatic Musical Society Juniors (EOMS Juniors) this week.

Talented director David Tatnall clocks up his ninth production with the group and promises an exciting adaptation of this cockney rags to riches story.

David, 23, explains: "Me and My Girl has been rewritten recently by Stephen Fry so all the jokes are very up to date and amusing.

"All our set and costumes are in black and white to give a more stylised feel. Only the lead characters of Bill and Sally will be in colour to contrast with the upper class black and white of the aristocracy."

The show features a cast ranging in age from eight to 18 and stars two 13-year-olds - Steven Lily as barrow boy Bill Snibson, who inherits a fortune, and Eve Lethbridge as his long-suffering girlfriend Sally Smith.

Despite the vast age range, David, a primary schoolteacher says the cast, many of whom hope to go on to drama school, are excellent at concentrating at rehearsals.

"It's very easy to keep the cast focused as they all love what they are doing and have such enthusiasm for performing," he says.

This show features numbers such as Leaning On A Lamp Post, The Sun Has Got His Hat On and of course The Lambeth Walk.

It is said that during the Second World War, the French thought that The Lambeth Walk was the alternative British National Anthem and would stand to attention when they heard it played!

David Tatnall adds: "This musical is one that you simply cannot stay at home to watch - Me and My Girl is not available to rent or buy on video or DVD - it's one show you have to see live.

"It was filmed in 1939 but there are no copies still in existence."

Me and My Girl is at The Plaza Theatre, Romsey from Wednesday to Saturday.

For tickets and more information, call the box office on 01794 512987.