Sword fights and flamenco come to the Mayflower stage in the new musical production of Zorro.

A FORMER principal dancer with the Royal Ballet sword fights with an imaginary opponent before launching into a spectacular flamenco step.

An accomplished guitarist plays a beautiful harmony while a girl dressed as a gipsy belts out a soulful tune.

Not a regular sight in Southampton.

But an everyday occurrence for this trio.

Adam Cooper, Lesli Margherita and Ramon Ruiz have been in rehearsal for months for a musical based on the swashbuckling hero Zorro.

The show visits The Mayflower next week as part of its world premiere tour before heading for the West End.

The music of Latin sensations the Gipsy Kings will feature in the legendary story of good versus evil, featuring action and adventure, romance and thrilling sword fighting in a tale previously the subject of best selling books and major motion pictures.

Adam Cooper, who played the older Billy Elliot at the end of the film, will star as Ramon opposite opponent Matt Rawle as Zorro.

Previously with the Royal Ballet, Adam has since branched into musical theatre starring in On Your Toes, Singin' in the Rain and more recently as Sky Masterson in the long running West End hit Guys and Dolls.

He takes a break from toe-tapping high above the Mayflower.

"The style of flamenco is very particular and it's been something new for me to learn. There's an incredible style, energy and passion that comes with this type of dancing, but we seem to be all doing alright!

"It's incredibly exciting. It's not often you get a chance to be part of something brand new and fresh. I've done it before as a dancer and choreographer, but not as a performer. The creativity that you can bring to it makes it so exciting.

"The sword fighting is another interesting part and all the elements have come together really well.

"I had actually done quite a lot of sword fighting in the past, but I haven't been hung before so there's always something new to learn!"

Lesli Margherita (Inez) is a successful television, film, and theatre actress in Los Angeles.

She starred in MGM's television series Fame LA, which is still shown all over the world, and has gone on to star in TV shows including Charmed, NYPD Blue, The District, The King of Queens, Thieves, JAG, Fighting Fitzgeralds, Nikki, and Kristin.

Lesli, dressed in striking gipsy robes, adds: "Picking up this special piece has been great. We just can't wait to get on stage now."

Ramon Ruiz is an onstage musician, guitarist, performer and having previously played with the Gipsy Kings became involved in Zorro.

Strumming at his guitar, Ramon said: "I loved the idea of playing and also being on stage interacting with the actors. That's a very rare thing.

"Also I get to smash a guitar on someone's head!"

Zorro features a new score by the Gipsy Kings, including their biggest smash hits Bambeleo, Baila Me and Djobi Djoba.

The musical is directed by Christopher Renshaw whose recent West End and Broadway credits include The King and I and We Will Rock You.

It runs from Tuesday to Saturday. Tickets, priced £15 to £32.50 from the box office on 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk.