THE world premiere of the musical version of An Officer And A Gentleman will come to the stage in Southampton in 2018.

Based on the 1982 Oscar-winning film starring Richard Gere, it comes to Mayflower Theatre from May 1 to 5.

An Officer And A Gentleman tells the story of Zack Mayo who is in training to become a US Navy Pilot. When Zack rolls into boot camp with a bit too much of a swagger, drill Sergeant Foley doesn’t make life easy for him. When he falls for local girl Paula Pokrifki and tragedy befalls his friend and fellow candidate, Zack realises the importance of love and friendship and finds the courage to be himself and win the heart of the woman he loves. It’s only then he can truly become both an Officer and a Gentleman.

The musical is set to include the hit song from the movie Up Where We Belong, along with 80’s classics such as Alone, Don’t Cry Out Loud, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Toy Soldiers and Material Girl and will feature one of the most iconic romantic scenes ever portrayed on screen.

An Officer And A Gentleman is one of the highest grossing films of all time.

Director Nikolai Foster said, “An Officer and a Gentleman delicately charts the lives of working class, military folk in America in the early 1980s; important lives, often pushed to the margins of society. We are proud to be working alongside the film's creator Douglas Day Stewart, producer Jamie Wilson and an incredible creative team to present this beautiful and inspiring story. This brand-new adaptation includes iconic 80s songs which create an entertaining, uplifting and original piece of musical theatre, we are excited to share this world premiere with our audiences across the UK."

Tickets for the show go on general sale on Friday from 023 8071 1811 or online at mayflower.org.uk.