MANY people would be happy to direct just one successful play.

Barbara Fairclough from The Performing Arts Company is embarking on her 22nd play for the Hedge End based group.

And she has set herself a hard act to follow. The group, who performed the musical West Side Story as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations last year has just scooped a prestigious award by NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) for the production. The Southern Area Accolade of Excellence 2003/2004 Youth East was presented to Barbara and her young performers just a few weeks ago by a NODA representative.

With no time to rest on her laurels, Barbara is back in the director's chair, bringing the foot-tapping American musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers to The Point, Eastleigh tonight and tomorrow.

Set in the outback of America in 1850, the musical tells the story of Adam Pontipee and his six brothers who go on a quest to find a wife. Adam (David Smith) hooks up with townsgirl Millie (Kelly O'Donnell), who is shocked to find that she not only has to cook and clean for Adam but his six lazy brothers too.

Millie teaches them some etiquette and the brothers learn to dance and how to court women just in time for the town social.

But love is never straightforward and a huge brawl breaks out between the townsfolk and the Pontipee clan. Undeterred by the frosty reception, the brothers kidnap their prospective wives and take them back to the mountains where noone can rescue them because of an avalanche.

As the snow thaws so do the icy relationships and love blossoms with songs like Wonderful Day, Bless Your Beautiful Hide and Spring, Spring, Spring.

The Point, Eastleigh, tonight and tomorrow. Performance: 7.30pm (Saturday matinee 2.30pm). Tickets: from £8. Box office: 023 8065 2333.