After wowing audiences in 2009's Bran Nue Dae, pop star *Jessica Mauboy *, below, and actress *Deborah Mailman *are re-teaming to star in the big screen version of The Sapphires.

Adapted from the Helpmann award- winning stage musical by *Keith Thompson *(Clubland) and playwright *Tony Briggs *, it's based on the life of Briggs' mother and aunts, who toured Vietnam in 1960s to entertain troops as a Supremes cover band. The Sapphires is a feel-good romp packed with Motown hits, including Heatwave, Respect and I Never Loved a Man.

Mauboy and Mailman will be joined by NIDA graduates *Shari Sebbens *and *Miranda Tapsell *for the film, which starts shooting in Sydney and then Vietnam in August.

Mailman, currently acting in Ten's Offspring, appeared on stage in the first production of the musical in Melbourne in 2004.

• Black Swan *and *Company B *revived the show in early 2010 as part of the *Perth International Arts Festival * to fantastic reviews.