Between them they have 60 years' experience of playing the lead character in Oklahoma!

And now the four Curlys have met up to share their experiences ahead of a new version of the classic tale of rural romance in early 20th century America coming to Swindon.

Mike Chivers was Curly in 1958, followed by Ray Dance in 1982, Tony Asprey in 2001 and this year, it is the turn of James Canning in the performance by Swindon musical theatre company SALOS.

Both Ray and Tony are also in the forthcoming production, which will be directed by Russell Langdown.

Russell said: “It is a real privilege working with such accomplished actors as Mike, Ray, Tony and James. It must be one of the first times a musical theatre company has performed the same show four times and has had all four leading men from each production at the same rehearsal!

“I know that Mike will enjoy watching the show in October and will no doubt be reminiscing and possibly even singing along... quietly!”

Mike said: “SALOS took a huge gamble on me, as Curly was my first part.”

Ray added: “As a teenager I was far more interested in girls than musical theatre, however my then girlfriend Jo, who four years later became my wife, wanted to see the SALOS production of Oklahoma.

“At that time I had not heard of either, but of course I accompanied her to see the show. I was surprised to discover I quite enjoyed it and was particularly impressed with the leading man playing the role of Curly – he had a brilliant voice.”

Curly number three Tony said:“I was still a teenager when, just a year after I joined the company, Ray Dance was the obvious choice to be cast as the romantic lead role of Curly in the 1982 SALOS show and I was lucky enough to play the ‘Dream Curly’ role in the ballet.

"In 2001, inspired by Ray’s iconic portrayal, it was my turn to have a go at the part, playing against James Canning as the troubled Judd Fry.”

This year’s lead James said: “I’m really looking forward to donning the cowboy hat and boots, bringing the character to life and belting out those unmistakable baritone tunes on the Wyvern stage once again”

Oklahoma! runs October 17 to 21.