The Millom Amateur Operatic Society put on a series of spectacular productions through the 1980s and The Mail was there to see their performers in action when the bright lights were on them.

In 1988, they brought the roaring 20s back to life with their production of ‘The Boyfriend,’ written by Sandy Wilson, at the Millom Palladium.

The MAOS had won The Mail’s Best Show Oscar for their version of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ the previous year and our review suggested they had a chance of retaining that title.

It read: “Star of the show was Haverigg’s Alban Taylor putting in a marvellous performance as crusty old aristocrat Lord Brockhurst.

“He proved ‘it’s never too late to fall in lover’ in a delightful duet with Dulcie (Pamela Bell).”

There was just one hitch; when Lord Brockhurst replied ‘I certainly wasn’t addressing the chair' to Percival Browne’s (Donny Hughes) ‘Are you addressing me?’ he was referencing a prop that hadn’t been returned after an earlier dance scene.

The MAOS had also put on a production of ‘Oliver’ in the Palladium, making use of some of the best young amateur actors in the area.

It also showed it had a lighter side, with a well-received pantomime of ‘Mother Goose’ being put on in 1989.