SOUTHAMPTON teacher Margaret Amey is launching her own operatic show and company.

Margaret, who went to school in Sholing and belonged to Southampton Operatic Society, will present 'Buxton or Bust' - her tribute to the work of Gilbert and Sullivan, later this month.

Her love of Gilbert and Sullivan started at school in Bitterne and Itchen and now her show will be performed for the first time in Bexhill Sussex, where she now lives.

When Margaret was asked to direct any G&S operetta for her local operatic society three years ago she realised the options were becoming reduced to just a few well-known shows. There was no lack of wonderful material - Gilbert and Sullivan wrote more than 12 brilliantly funny operettas with catchy tunes and quirky plots. But audiences were dwindling due to lack of exposure.

"How do you get people to enjoy something so old it’s new? Why, write something new of course!" she said.

Buxton or Bust carries on the best traditions of those two great satirists Gilbert and Sullivan incorporating 32 of their best songs, including four finales. Part melodrama, part ghost story the plot follows some of G&S's own stories including weaving in

quotes from the shows. Most songs are left as they were written with the plot knitting them together into a modern situation with musical references to all but one of their operettas.

Buxton or Bust involves the machinations of a wayward daughter, a property developer and an amorous Health and Safety Inspector.

Special needs teacher Margaret has devoted much of her spare time to writing, directing and now producing Buxton or Bust. Simon Newbury, who took the photograph caught Margaret completing costumes and creating props. She has even taken a small role, though she doesn’t approve!

Buxton or Bust has been designed to be lavishly cheap to produce; a sort of Gilbert and Sullivan meet Mamma Mia and the show will be available for other societies to perform, enjoy and encourage a new audience.

The Première takes place at St John’s Hall Bexhill-on-Sea June 23-27. For ticket visit www.buxtonorbust.co.uk, call 01424 842191 or visit Music’s Not Dead in Bexhill.