KIDDERMINSTER Operatic and Dramatic Society have come up with another winner.

Damon Runyan's story of gamblers, Sky Masterson who falls for Salvation Army Captain Sarah Brown, and Nathan Detroit who has been promising to marry Adelaide for 14 years, is brought to life by an enthusiastic cast.

The scene was set for a superb musical evening when Chris Paine, Thom Gordon and Ian Baulstridge sang the extremely difficult Fugue for Tinhorns, which comes right at the start, spot on.

Laura Broad, who has come up through the ranks of KODYS, is excellent as Sarah. She has a lovely voice, and also acts well.

Her opposite number, Nathan, is another "find", as Dean Hodson gave a superb performance, despite battling against a cold.

The other two protagonists are played by more seasoned performers, Jill Parmenter, as always polished, in the role of Adelaide, and Julian Richards, as Sky. Julian did appear rather tense during the first half in particular, but that was perhaps not surprising, as the last time he was on a stage he broke his leg (in West Side Story).

The stalwart Chris Paine was brilliant as Nicely-Nicely, with Sit down you're rocking the boat a highlight of the show.

The whole mob of gangsters were good, and I very much enjoyed their ensemble numbers.

The show ended as it started on a high musical note, with the rendition of Marry the Man Today by the two leading ladies, which was an absolute joy.

I must also mention Pat Powell as "the bag lady", a non-speaking role, which had me in stitches.

VJS