ANOTHER little known musical is being given an outing thanks to Colchester's Platform Musicals and Plays.

"It's why I set Platform up," director Andrew Hodgson tells me, "to put on shows that are not performed by other groups. Those not as well known as say Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals and yet are still really great. Well this one fits the bill perfectly."

Andrew is talking about On the Twentieth Century by Betty Comden and Adolph Green with music by Cy Coleman.

It's partly based on the 1930s film and play of the same name and is part operetta, part farce and part screwball comedy.

The story involves the behind-the-scenes relationship between Lily, a temperamental actress and Oscar, a bankrupt theatre producer, who are both on a luxury train travelling from Chicago to New York in the 1920s.

The musical ran on Broadway from 1978 to 1979 winning five Tony Awards and showcasing the talents of Madeline Kahn, who had already made a name for herself appearing in several of Mel Brooks films including Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles.

Andrew adds: "I saw the original West End production with Julia McKenzie and Keith Michell and thought it was great. It's really funny and I thought after doing Sweeney Todd last year it would be good for a little light relief."

As with previous Platform shows, Andrew has an absolutely cracking cast at his disposal with John Davies, Dawn King, Jayne Sheeran and Sara Green to name but a few.

"I would not do a show," he begins, "if I couldn't pick the people I wanted for the roles but we are very fortunate in Colchester at the moment with the talent we have on offer. That makes casting so much easier even for a show like On the Twentieth Century."

On the Twentieth Century runs at the Headgate Theatre, Chapel Street North, from Wednesday until November 26 at 7.45pm each night with an extra 2.30pm show on the Saturday.

For tickets, priced £12, go on-line at www.headgatetheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01206 366000.