THURROCK Operatic Society is holding open auditions for its 50th anniversary show “The Chicago Mikado”.

The show is a rewrite of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta -The Mikado by Gary Sullivan, and it will be performed for the first time ever at the Thameside Theatre in February 2010.

TOPS Chairman Ken Baker said: “If you’ve seen the old gangster type movies then you’ll get a pretty good impression of where The Chicago Mikado sits.

“In adapting and rewriting the original script, Gary has added much of the flavour of 1920’s Chicago, without actually breaking away from the basis of the original storyline.

“The location and the characters and their names have been modified to fit an Italian mafia/gangster setting and to suit the gangster genre implied by the show’s title.”

The auditions, by appointment only, will be held in the annex to the United Reformed Church on Bradleigh Avenue, Grays, at 1pm on Sunday September 13.

There are also some audition slots available from 7.30pm on Thursday for people who can’t make the Sunday.

The complete Show Information Pack can be found in the Auditions Section of TOPS web site at www.thurrockoperaticsociety.co.uk.

This gives a synopsis of the plot, rehearsal and production dates, along with details of TOPS membership and performance requirements, and full details of the set audition pieces for all principal roles.

A number of tap dancing parts are also available for young ladies.

For an appointment for either of the audition dates call Suzanne Gunn on 07734 817418 after 4pm.