Ulverston Amateur Operatic Society staged The Merry Widow as its 80th anniversary production in October 1988.

Under the headline ‘Waltzing Merry Widow in fun and frolics’, The Mail’s reviewer stated: ‘The Merry Widow couldn’t have been jollier at Ulverston’s Coronation Hall last night’.

It continued: ‘Ulverston Amateur Operatic Society launched into a colourful and thoroughly entertaining production of Lehar’s operetta with gusto and seemed to enjoy themselves just a s much as the audience.’

The story concerns a rich widow and her countrymen’s attempts to keep her money in the principality by finding her the right husband.

The operetta has its premiere in Vienna in 1905 and there have been film and other adaptations. Some of the well-known music from the score includes the Merry Widow Waltz, Da geh’ ich zu Maxim’ (You’ll Find Me at Maxim’s), and Vilja Song.

The Mail’s review said that can-can girls whooped and kicked their way across a lavish set, elegant ladies in stunning ball gowns waltzed with partners in white tie and tails and there were the unforgettable melodies of Franz Lehar, admirably played by the orchestra, under the baton of musical director Doreen Dunlop.

It stated: ‘The Merry Widow presents a challenging score for amateur voices and musicians, but the society carried it off effortlessly on their first night and their first ever performance of the show.’

Anne Woods as the widow pitched every note perfectly and Allan Lewis was excellent as the handsome and dashing Danilo.

Strong performances from all the principals wers backed up by a solid chorus.

Particular high spots included Vilja, beautifully sung by Anne Woods and chorus and the men's rendition of Women! Women!

The reviewer stated: 'Congratulations to Judith Barrow on her first effort as production director'.

In 1994 Ulverston Amateur Operatic Society performed The Music Man at the Coronation Hall. Russell Palmer was the eponymous star, playing Harold Hall.