Fifty-four youngsters from Millom were set to make their stage debut when they performed A Christmas Carol at the Palladium in February 1997.

Under the headline ‘Dickens of a good drama ‘, The Mail reported that the children’s drama group Stage has been set up the previous year for six to 16 year-olds wishing to tread the boards and this would be its first production.

The group had been set up by Norma Date and her daughter Narissa Nicholas.

The youngsters attended a weekly session at the Palladium where they initially took part in acting, singing and choral speaking.

But, more recently, they had been attending the group twice a week rehearsing in earnest for their first production.

Ruth Farquhar, costume-maker and mother of one of the children taking part, said: “Although this is their first production, it is quite big and a lot of work has gone into it.

"They are a bit nervous but are starting to get really hyped up now.”

The principal cast member were Alex Coke-Woods as Scrooge, Liam Cloudsdale as Jacob Marley, Kieran McQuire as Tiny Tim, Sarah Carney as the ghost of Christmas Past, Stephen Watson as the ghost of Christmas Present, Lauren Fisher as the ghost of Christmas Yet-to-come, Kevin Rogan as Mr Fezziwig Angela Barker as Mrs Fezziwig and Carly Dennison as Belle.

Millom Neighbourhood Forum had donated £250 towards the group.

Some children were now auditioning for the Palladium's production of Oliver.

Members of Grange Amateur Operatic Society performed a new production of Showboat at the Victoria Hall, Grange-over-Sands, in 1991.

The cast included Edward Poole as Capt Andy Hawkes, Margaret Stockley as Parthy-Ann Hawkes, Pam Morrow as Julie Lavern, Frances Hope as Queenie, Derek Roberts as Joe, Kerry Bell as Ellie, Robin Webster as Gaylord Revenal, Rachael Muir as Magnolia and Colin Burrow as Frank.