JO YOUNG was happy to walk down the aisle - then watch her new husband Michael stroll into the arms of another woman.

But love-struck Jo had no qualms when the man in her life rode off into the sunset with young blonde farm girl, Laurey.

For the pair got no further than Helensburgh's Victoria Halls where they were rehearsing for the musical, Oklahoma, the latest production from the talented Savoy Musical Theatre Group.

Michael stars as rugged cowboy Curly McLain who wins the heart of his childhood sweetheart, Laurey Williams, played by Lynsey Rippon.

Rehearsals for the show were already underway when Jo and Michael tied the knot in September at The Royal Yacht Club in Rhu.

They decided to postpone their honeymoon until after Oklahoma which runs from November 2 to 5 at the Victoria Halls.

Amazingly, it is the first musical Michael, 42, has ever appeared in apart from being in the chorus of a school production of Oklahoma when he was 13 in his native Dublin.

"After Jo and I moved to Helensburgh we were looking for ways to meet new friends when Jo saw the advert for auditions for the show back in June," explained Michael.

"We just walked in an hour before they started and I was the last person to audition for Curly. I haven't sung in front of people before, not even at karaoke so I was overjoyed when I received an email the following morning offering me the part."

The couple had already planned their wedding for September 2 and rehearsals for Oklahoma started in August.

However, Jo, who is originally from Aberdeenshire, said she wanted Michael to accept the role as he "has a lovely voice."

"I have always thought Michael was a very good singer and I just knew he would be right for the part of Curly," she added.

"I was delighted when he won the part even though it meant going straight back into rehearsals after our wedding.

"We have met so many lovely people through the Savoy group. We love living in Helensburgh and people couldn't be nicer."

Michael, who works in IT with the Clydesdale Bank in Glasgow, said the past few weeks have been tough juggling his day job with a heavy rehearsal schedule.

He sings five songs including The Surrey With The Fringe On Top, and the classic opening number, Oh, What A Beautiful Morning.

"I also have a lot of lines but the whole cast and the director have been very supportive," he said.

"I'm really excited about the show and love being on stage. I would love to do more shows in the future but Jo and I will be going on honeymoon first."

Jo, who is part of the chorus for the show joked: "I'm happy to have a small role and I'll be able to keep my eye on Curly!"

*Tickets, from £8, are now on sale from First Class in Helensburgh, from cast members or on the door. For more info, go to: www.helensburghsavoy.org.uk