THE Good Companions Stage Society's musical revue this year pays homage to the many talented songwriters who have helped to enrich our musical heritage over the last century.

According to the show's director, Barbara Ashmore, the songs featured will include the favourites of several generations, ranging from the sounds of Cole Porter and Burt Bacharach to more recent hits by groups such as Take That and Abba.

"We have divided the show into six, themed musical interludes," Barbara explained.

"The themes each cover a variety of styles, which includes popular music and well known hits from the stage. Dance routines and comedy sketches will also be incorporated into the evening, which will last just over two hours in total with an interval part way through."

Barbara revealed that during the past 12 months the society has experienced an influx of new members, including several younger recruits which, she says, has brought a lot of energy into the group.

"It seems that the performing arts are being encouraged more in schools at the moment and we are reaping the benefits of this," she said. "It is great to see this type of enthusiasm among the young and, to be honest, we have only had about 12 weeks to prepare for this concert so everyone has worked extremely hard."

The first of the six interludes planned for the evening is entitled Musical Icons and will feature Cole Porter and singer/songwriter Carly Simon, among others.

The second is called Top of the Pops and includes the work of artists such as Take That, Elton John, Buddy Holly and Abba – all well known for penning their own songs.

Several great song writing partnerships will be featured next, including the work of Gilbert and Sullivan, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Lennon and McCartney

Songwriter/singers who have sold a record number of copies will also be spotlighted with renditions of songs by the likes of Chris de Burgh and Bill Withers.

Musical theatre will also be celebrated with tunes by the likes of Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein.

Finally, there will be a section called the Greatest Songs of All Time, taken from a vote on the internet.

Three of the tunes in this category are River Deep Mountain High by Ike and Tina Turner; Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry.

"Some songs will be delivered by a soloist, others as a duet and some will feature the whole company," said Barbara.

"These have been arranged by our musical director Zoe Varney and choreographer Pauline Reader has also orchestrated some dance numbers, including a number from 42nd Street and songs from Michael Jackson's Bad album. Basically, we are hoping to lift everyone's spirits with good, colourful light-hearted entertainment, which also draws attention to the talents of some of our greatest songwriters."

WHAT: The Songwriters' Album: Musical Revue

WHERE: Guildhall Theatre, Derby

WHEN: February 28-March 3, 7.30pm, Sat 1pm and 5pm only

TICKETS: £9.50, Tues evening and Sat 1pm show £8.50

BOX OFFICE: 01332 255800