LARGS Amateur Operatic Society staged a stunning all singing and dancing production of Sister Act at a bouncing Barrfields Theatre.

It was the first time in the society's history that the annual show has sold out a week in advance so expectations were high as the curtain went up on their 73rd production.

Sister Act, based on the famous 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, was a calculated gamble which paid off in style - receiving standing ovations throughout its run.

Perhaps the masterstroke of this production was in the strong casting, showcasing the high calibre talent Largs has on its doorstep.

The star of the show Deloris was played by Morag Robertson who danced, cajoled, and inspired not just the tuneless choir into the hottest act in town, but everyone in the theatre with a brilliant, energetic performance.

The plot sees nightclub singer Deloris being placed in a local convent disguised as a nun after witnessing a gangland murder carried out by her then boyfriend Curtis, played with panache by the exemplary Andy Park.

She is tranformed into Sister Mary Clarence to protect her identity but unwittingly alerts the mass media, and in turn her former boyfriend's gang, by transforming the fortunes of the choir.

With so many toe-tapping numbers, this production shone with some exquisite and uplifting music to really lift the spirits.

Mother Superior was another casting masterstroke with the excellent Linda McMurray making the role her own.

Sisters Star Penders, Karen Wilkins, Donna Laing, Lynsey Ewing and Nan Fulton also had starring roles while William Clark Ferguson, David McGarvey and Allan Penders aided and abetted Andy Park's Curtis.

Love interest Eddie Souther was expertly played by another regular in Calum McVittie and he nearly brought the house down with 'I Could Be That Guy'.

Jacqui Park, Ashley Smith and Jennifer McShane looked like they stepped straight out of the 1970s and were wonderful as Deloris's accompanying nightclub singers.

It was interesting to see Revd Canon Gordon B. Fyfe of St Columba's Episcopal as Monsignor O'Hara, and he brought some vibrancy to the role.

Even Rev Jonathan Fleming, of St John's Church and Cumbrae parish, featured in the production as one of Eddie Souther's sidekicks in the police station.

This was an outstanding production which felt new and invigorating on the Largs stage - much more of this please.

Cast: Deloris - Morag Robertson, Michelle - Jacqui Park, Tina - Ashley Smith, Janice - Jennifer McShane, Curtis Andy Park, TJ - David McGarvey, Joey - Allan Penders, Pablo - William Clark Ferguson, Ernie - Allan Milligan, Eddie Souther - Calum McVittie, Cop - Jonathan Fleming, Mother Superior Linda McMurray, Monsignor O'Hara - Gordon Fyfe, Sister Mary Patrick - Star Penders, Sister Mary Robert - Karen Wilson, Sister Mary Lazarus - Donna Laing, Sister Mary Martin - Lynsey Ewing, Sister Mary Theresa - Nan Fulton, Waitress - Karen McKinlay, Pope Paul VI - Ray Young.

Production team - Producer/Cinematographer Irene Cameron, Musical Director - David Edwards, Rehearsal Accompanists - David Edwards, Colin Young, Stage Manager David Page, Deputy Stage Manager Hugh Douglas, Lighting Design Jazz Hutsby, Sound technician Alan Beattie - (Sono Vie), Props - Fiona Page, Lesley Clements, Costumes - Anne Randall, Make-up Melissa Renton, Stage Crew - Calum Little, Tim Vines.

Orchestra - Keyboards - Grant Walsh, Alistair Peter, David Edwards. Reeds - Gillian McKane, Rachel Considine, Trumpets - Ewan Mains, Gregor Keachie, Trombone - Martin Thomson, Guitar - James Finnigan, Bass - Chris Cruikshank, Drums - Callum Edwards, Percussion - Colin Young.

Producer - Irene Cameron, Director David Edwards.