AFTER 100 years of treading the boards the show goes on for Morecambe Amateurs - with members gearing up for their latest production.

The Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society is celebrating its centenary year, having delivered an impressive programme of productions throughout the ages.

The society, whose debut performance in 1903 was Manderin, is marking its milestone year by bringing Rogers & Hammerstein's State Fair to the stage.

Other productions over the years have included Anything Goes, South Pacific, My Fair Lady and Hello Dolly.

President Norman Mayor credits much of the society's longevity to the faithful support of theatregoers who annually watch their productions.

For many years until 1977, shows were held under the spotlights of the Winter Gardens Theatre, when society members delighted in being able to perform on such a large stage, cloaked in atmosphere.

Norman says one of the highlights of that period was the 1959 production of The King and I, attended by Sir Bernard and Lady Docker when the House Full signs went up outside - indicating an audience of more than 2,000 people.

From 1977, productions were held at the now-destroyed Palace Theatre and the Central Pier, and the Amateur's current home is the Grand Theatre in Lancaster.

Live shows - and their coffers - were hit hard by the dawning of the television era, but faithful members and society officials remained true and have seen the society through.

Norman pays tribute to the society's late honorary producer Dorothy Hardy, who dedicated 32 years to the Amateurs until 1993.

And he says the society hopes to enjoy the continued support of theatre goers to ensure the show goes on for amateur entertainment.

State Fair is being staged at the Grand Theatre in Lancaster during the week starting June 17.