TWO musicians have combined passions to make their rock opera dream a reality.

After pouring four years of hard work into a collaborative project, age-old friends, Phil Merivale and Dave Killpack have finally penned a debut rock opera, Blue on Blue.

The work ­— encompassing 15 original songs composed by the pair ­— tells the story of an outcast student as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, love, loss, and ultimately redemption.

Set to debut at Brockenhurst College in the summer, the rock opera has become a part of the curriculum, and Dave is hoping Isle of Wight students and performers can embrace the production.

"It's a rock opera set in the educational system, so it's really something that will resonate with everyone," said Dave.

"It's been a lot of fun, piecing it all together, and we've had such a great laugh.

"I've always been fascinated by musicals ­— the genre has always struck a cord with us both, and we just can't wait to see our very own performed."

The pair have know each other for 60 years, with both their fathers serving in the Royal Army Corp together ­— training to become army doctors.

"We have this joke that we knew each other before we were born," said Dave.

"Phil's always been a great wordsmith, and music has always been an important part of his life.

"I've worked mostly on the musical side of things ­— composing the songs ­— and together we fleshed out the story."

The two producers are looking for an Isle of Wight venue to host their opera.

"We want schools to see our production first, and then consider introducing it into their curriculums," said Dave.

Anyone interested can contact Dave by email at david.killpack@tiscali.co.uk