THE corn will be as high an elephant’s eye in Worcester, even though it’s only April, thanks to a performance of “Oklahoma!” at The Swan, which opens today.

Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society (WODS) will bring the famous musical before a local audience, but not for the first time, because WODS has something of a track record with the show.

A spokesman said: “WODS productions have been a mainstay of the local theatre scene for the past 126 years and Worcester audiences were previously delighted with WODS’ productions of “Oklahoma!” which ran in 1956, 1968 and 1980.

“Often described as Rodgers and Hammerstein’s best work, Oklahoma! is set in America’s Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the twentieth century. Headstrong farm girl Laurey Williams, who lives on a ranch with her Aunt Eller, is being pursued by two romantic rivals: cowboy Curly McLain and hired hand Jud Fry. Laurey’s friend, Ado Annie Carnes, has her own set of suitors – Persian peddler Ali Hakim, whose silver-tongued sales pitches leave her swooning, and cowboy Will Parker, her sweet-natured but dim-witted fiancé.”

The spokesman added: “Loaded with famous songs such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning”, “Surrey with the Fringe on Top”, “I Can’t Say No”, and the title song “Oklahoma”, this new production of a classic show promises a whip-cracking evening of entertainment.

“As with all WODS productions, a portion of show’s raffle proceeds will be donated to charity. The chosen charity for “Oklahoma!” is The Good Soil Project, a Worcestershire charity based at Top Barn Farm in Holt Heath.

“Oklahoma!” is running at The Swan Theatre from today Tuesday April 9 to April 13. Tickets: 01905 01905 611427 and www.worcesterlive.co.uk