London 1940 and Hitler's war machines roar across the darkened skies of the capital.

Wave after wave of bombs pound the East End.

Yet, underneath the constant barragelife goes on.

Monday (November 7) Kendal Amateur Operatic Society brings the spirit of wartime Britain to the Brewery Arts Centre for its annual week long, show-time spectacular.

This year is the turn of Blitz, Lionel Bart's musical based around two families, the Blitzteins and Lockes.

They all fight their own particular battles with neighbours and authorities alike - many humorous, some tragic.

In true KAOS style, rehearsals are a mix of serious run through tinged with typical KAOS good cheer.

Basically, they get down to business and have fun doing it.

So, after my umpteenth visit behind the scenes over the years, what's different this time around?

I have to say the cast seemed more disciplined then ever.

After her debut last year, producer/director Kerry Hartin is back on the home front, so to speak, for more. And, by the looks of it, she certainly runs a tight ship: "I've known a lot of them for a long time. They're a good bunch, hard working and contentious.

"I wasn't around in the 1940s and to keep this show as realistic and right for the period as possible has been a challenge."

Blitz could be KAOS member Meril Bull's finest moment, playing the fiery Jewish market trader Mrs Blitztein, who has a pickled herring stall on Petticoat Lane.

Mrs B's a tough cookie, a widow who has reared seven children, which include gorgeous daughter Carol (Suzie Brain) and son Harry (Bob Bailey), a flyboy if there ever was one. Harry's a bit of a wheeler-dealer and a magnet for some of the cockney lovelies.

Banter flows seamlessly between Mrs B and fellow trader Alfred Locke (Gordon Woodhouse), constantly sparring with each other.

Meanwhile, Alfred's son Georgie, played by Bob Christie, is Carol's love interest. And as far as the Blitzteins and Lockes are concerned she acts as the go-between.

The society chose to stage Blitz to commemorate those who had given their lives during the Second World War. Long-serving KAOS member Margaret Stamper told me that the show was very much about the spirit of the time: "It was not all doom and gloom."

The cast is bursting with colourful and interesting characters such as the upper class ambulance driver Joyce Matthews, played by Margaret Hesmondhalgh, who falls for Harry while her hubbie is away at war.

There's Elsie (Alison Hine), the East End girl with a heart of gold, and her friend Peg (Melanie Duff), who both work in a munitions factory; and its good to see some of the region's rising young talents such as Lizzie Curwen and Jason Airey within the KAOS ranks.

Blitz sees society stalwarts such as Marilyn Blunt, Katharine Carradus, Joan Carnaffin, Richard Sutton, Norman Wileman and Sandy Lofthouse all back on stage.

Plus, fans of popular Lakeland comedy actor and singer Steve Hall will no doubt be pleased to see him strutting the Brewery stage as Mr Murphy opposite Hilary Whittle as his good lady wife.

Firemen, soldiers, rescue workers and a host of children, many playing evacuees, all feature in a strong line-up.

As well as a professional ensemble of musicians, the production features a few nifty sound and vision effects, conjured up between the Brewery's technical wizards Messrs Parnaby and Turnbull, and the KAOS backroom team, which all adds up to a roof-raising show.

The icing on the KAOS cake would have been a visit by Vera Lynn.

Margaret says Dame Vera was invited, but was otherwise engaged at a concert at London's Albert Hall.

However, with marching songs like Who's This Geezer Hitler and the bouncy Mums and Dads reverberating around the Brewery theatre, it promises to be a night to remember and, from what I gather, one of the slickest KAOS shows for years.

Performances start at 7.15pm, with a 2.15pm matinee on Saturday, November 12.

Tickets are available for all performances, priced £9.50/ concessions £8.50, from the Brewery box office on 01539-725133.