THEY often say Charity begins at home.

Well for one week it will begin fairly close to home... at Gala Opera.

Between Monday, March 4 and Saturday, March 9, Galashiels Amateur Operatic Society present the all-singing, all-dancing Sweet Charity at the Volunteer Hall.

Once again Jeff Thomson, who spends his working days as Principal Teacher of Expressive Arts at Earlston High School, is at the helm as Producer/Musical Director.

Jeff is well known locally for his productions and, while Sweet Charity may not be as high-profile as some of his recent offerings, his reputation goes before him.

And the massive stage hit of the 1960s has been brought bang up to date, providing plenty of laughter and a few tears for audiences throughout the March run.

Jeff brings all his expertise and professionalism to bear to modernise Sweet Charity.

Working alongside Jeff is Marie McCullough, professional performer and co-founder of Creative Stage performing arts school based in Selkirk, who has the unenviable task of choreographing some of the show's most iconic dance numbers, including Big Spender, Rhythm of Life and Rich Man’s Frug.

Together Jeff and Marie have brought some of Gala Opera’s most successful productions to the stage in the Volunteer Hall in recent years.

And Sweet Charity is no different.

Carla McColgan takes on the role of Charity, ably supported by a large principal cast and chorus.

Evelyn Watson from Gala Opera told us: "Don’t know the show? Don’t make that a reason not to go along.

"You will laugh, you will cry, you will tap along to the dance numbers, you will hear some of the best known songs in musical theatre and you will leave with a smile on your face."

Sweet Charity opens on Monday, March 4 or six nights in the Volunteer Hall.

Tickets are available now at the box office in the Volunteer Hall