MARRIAGE and the constant threat of bankruptcy featured strongly in the plot of a musical show which delighted Barrow audiences back in 1998.

The show was called Pickwick and was staged by Abbey Musical Society at the Forum 28, starring Howard Newby in the title role.

It was based on the Charles Dickens novel Pickwick Papers and was set in and around London and Rochester in 1828.

The show had its London premiere in the West End in 1963 with Harry Secombe in the title role.

It was a first main leading part for Mr Newby after 10 years in amateur musicals.

Among his previous roles had been puppeteer Paul Berthalet in Carnival.

The Mail, on March 19, said the Ulverston-born actor was a former Great Britain shot putter.