I OBTAINED a lovely glimpse of the progress of the 2003 BATS production when Hannah Williams and I snuck into the confines of Bishop Challoner School late one evening this week.

The hall had that lovely buzz of people with a purpose, as those of all ages busied themselves behind the scenes with props and costumes, or in the centre, singing and dancing enthusiastically.

One member of the cast, Gary Myers, who trained at the Guildford School of Acting and is returning to the stage after a break of five years, admitted: "It's hard work!"

Even though I'm unfamiliar with the musical numbers of Mack & Mabel, the instant we furtively sank into seats on the sidelines, I could feel my toe tapping along to I Want to Make the World Laugh.

The raucous choruses were looking and sounding absolutely great, especially the leads, Martin Webb and Libby Ruskell, who were most affecting in their run-through of the very charming I Won't Send Roses.

Martin was on stage with BATS in The King and I as a mere slip of a lad, and had his first leading role with The Music Man.

Now he's up there on centre stage with a very convincing American accent as the main man.

Unbelievably, this is the first show of Sally Towle, who has a powerhouse voice, and plays fading star and Mack's old flame, Lottie Ames.

Most of the cast have full-time jobs, but still manage to summon the energy to attend intense rehearsals twice a week. When the Ray is in town, that extends, and sometimes they are here every night. As Roy Castle used to say: "Dedication, that's what you need".

Richard Cox, who has been BATS chairman for six years now, and plays a "Goon", said: "This is the biggest show we've done for a number of years", a sentiment echoed by BATS stalwart of 34 years Keith Reynolds, whose wife Sam plays Honey in the cast.

Keith emphasised: "It's a show we've been waiting to do for a long time."

The fact that I was laughing hysterically at the cream pie scene, even though there was no actual cream involved, should give you a good indication of how well this show is coming together.

Mack & Mabel will run at the Haymarket Theatre from Wednesday, November 12, until Saturday, November 22. Tickets, priced from £13, are available from the box office on 01256 465566.