IN 1994 The Mail’s reporter Ellis Butcher landed a part in the men’s chorus for Walney Amateur Operatic Society’s production of Guys and Dolls, staged at Barrow’s Forum 28.

In an entertaining feature for the newspaper, Ellis described how he prepared for his role, which required him to sing and dance on stage wearing make-up.

The Mail: ACT: The Mail reporter Ellis Butcher about to make his entrance in Guys and Dolls on the opening night in 1994ACT: The Mail reporter Ellis Butcher about to make his entrance in Guys and Dolls on the opening night in 1994

He revealed the tremendous commitment that being part of a show involves – in the run-up to opening night the cast rehearsed four times in one week.

The dress rehearsal lasted from 2pm until midnight.

Ellis described how director David Marcus kept a professional eye on proceedings from behind a desk during rehearsals, often telling the actors what he would like them to do, where they should look or how they should present a certain line.

Rehearsals were held in an upstairs room at the Vickerstown Institute.

“I’ve spent every waking hour humming songs from the show,” wrote Ellis.

The Mail: PLAY: A scene from Guys and Dolls in 1994 PLAY: A scene from Guys and Dolls in 1994

“I’ve been so attached to my trilby I’ve had to stop myself from sticking it on my head before I walk out the door in the morning for work.”

And he concluded: “The show has given me a remarkable insight into how productions are made. It’s been a cauldron of different experiences that I’ll never forget.”

The Mail: DANCE: The Hot Box Dancers from Guys and Dolls in 1994 (Picture by Alan McConnell)DANCE: The Hot Box Dancers from Guys and Dolls in 1994 (Picture by Alan McConnell)

In a separate story about the production, The Mail reported how six members of the cast, who played nightclub strippers, had to head to Barrow’s Matalan store in Walney Road in search of black underwear.

The group needed all-in-one teddy outfits after finding that outfits they had ordered for the show did not fit them.

The ladies arrived ten minutes before closing time but were able to find outfits they could use.

The Mail: David Marcus as Tevye and Maggie Hook as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof in 1995David Marcus as Tevye and Maggie Hook as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof in 1995

In 1995, Walney Amateur Operatic Society staged Fiddler On The Roof at Forum 28, with artistic director David Marcus and musical director Peter Dyer at the helm.

David played the lead role with Maggie Hook playing his wife Golde.

The three lead girls were Michelle Larcombe as Tzeitel, Helen Oakley as Hodel and Helen Rundle as Chava.

The Mail: ACTING: The cast of Fiddler on the Roof, staged by Walney Amateur Operatic Society, in 1995ACTING: The cast of Fiddler on the Roof, staged by Walney Amateur Operatic Society, in 1995