You know the story. Barry Manilow's catchy music and lyrics have been sticking in everyone's head since it debuted as a single in 1978. Her name was Lola. She was a showgirl ... at the Copa, Copacabana. Tony, the aspiring songwriter and Copa bartender, helps launch her on her path to showgirl stardom. They fall in love. The villainous Rico abducts her to his rival Havana nightclub. And all this week, Innerleithen and District Amateur Operatic Society is presenting the Borders Premiere of Copacabana in the town’s Memorial Hall. This Society might be ninety-eight years old, but it is certainly forward-thinking and the enthusiasm of the cast was tangible at Monday’s opening night.

The leading roles of Tony and Lola are played by Adam Sherwood and Jenny Kondol. During a rare break in Monday’s performance, Adam took a couple of breathless moments to talk to TheSouthern. “I’m really, really enjoying being part of Copa,” he said, “the members of the Society are brilliant – very supportive, and we are having a ball!” Adam, who is originally from Arran, joined the Innerleithen group for last year’s production of “Annie Get Your Gun,” having previously appeared in shows with Arran Music & Drama Club in Brodick. Seventeen year old Jenny is equally upbeat about the Show and the Society. “I’m just loving being part of such a brilliant show,” she said. Jenny has previously been a member of Tweed Theatre and has also appeared with Scottish Youth Theatre. Both young actors perform their parts brilliantly, singing and dancing their way through Manilow’s wonderful score.

In the parts of Rico and Conchita are Innerleithen Opera favourites, John Armstrong and Nicola Watt. John brings just the right amount of menace to the role, while Nicola is very convincing as the seductive Latin-American showgirl. Comedy value is added by the bucket load in the form of David Brown, who plays the bald-headed Club-owner, Sam Silver and Shirley Bean as some-time Copa Girl, Gladys with the heart of gold.

A fantastic troupe of dancers wowed the audience with fancy footwork and sequin and feather galore, while, true to Innerleithen’s tradition, a strong chorus is on hand to support the leading players. The company remains in the capable hands of the usual production team of Brian McGlasson (Producer, Derek Calder (Musical Director) and Choreographer, Anne Anderson, while John Howden leads the dynamic ten-piece orchestra.

FINAL CURTAIN FALLS ON COPACABANA

The final curtain fell on another Innerleithen & District AOS Borders premiere on Saturday (1 April). Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” ran for a week in Innerleithen’s Memorial Hall, playing to very appreciative audiences. At the end of the run long service awards were made to seven Society members – with a total of two hundred and thirty years of service between them! Receiving awards were: Dougal Barber (15 years); Angela Barber (20 years); Adrianne Robb (30 years); John Small (35 years); Colin Watt (40 years). Nettie Simm and Ella Muir received awards for forty-five years service. Meanwhile, the Society will be looking to the year ahead at the annual general meeting which is set to take place on Wednesday 19 April in the Free Library Hall, Buccleuch Street, Innerleithen at 7.30pm. The election of officials and production team will take place as well as the decision on next year’s Spring production. Anyone interested in the work of the Society is should to contact the Secretary - secretary@idaos.org.uk for more info.