Bathurst's Centenary of Federation musical City of the Plains will be bringing together the resources of the city's historians, musicians and thespians for three performances only.

Opening this Thursday, 3 May, City of the Plains is a musical about the people of Bathurst, produced and performed by the people of Bathurst.

In an extraordinary show of community spirit more than 100 local people, many with little or no theatrical experience are taking part in this special project.

Devised by Charles Sturt University historian Robin McLachlan and written by well known columnist and literary figure Bob Ellis, City of the Plains tells the story of the 1896 People's Convention held in Bathurst through to the 1898 referendum on Federation.

The People's Convention laid the groundwork for Australia's Federation and raised hopes that Bathurst would become the nation's capital.

Dr McLachlan said he hopes the musical will create more awareness of the People's Convention, an event which few were aware of as little as five years ago.

"We are seeking to capture lost history and bringing the community back in touch with its history," he said.

The choice of a musical is deliberate, to keep the production "truthful to the times" in which it is set.

Dr McLachlan said music and theatrics played a large part in politics of the times, from speeches, to public marches to expressing political views in song.

Musical Director Max Reeder is working with the Bathurst and RSL Concert band, the Mitchell Conservatorium of Music, Allegri Singers and Bathurst Barbershop Ensemble to bring alive some of the music of the time as well as original works.

The cast, directed by Charles Sturt University theatre lecturer Bill Blaikie features locals and theatre students from Charles Sturt University.

Dr McLachlan said the performance is a unique opportunity to recapture an important moment in the history of Bathurst.

"The musical exists for three performances only, as of Sunday it will be a memory again.

"So we want the audience to recapture that lost history," he said.

Performance dates at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC). Thursday 3 May: 8pm Friday 4 May: 8pm Saturday 5 May: 2pm

Tickets are available from the BMEC. Adults $15, concession $10. Groups of 10 or more $10 per ticket.