MEMBERS of a popular amateur dramatic society which lost its home to council cuts today unveiled plans for their latest production and said: "The show must go on."

The future of Rossendale Operatic Society looked under threat when Rossendale Council closed Haslingden Public Hall as part of £400,000 budget cuts.

The venue was among a number of leisure facilities axed by the authority after it was named the worst council in the country following an Audit Commission report.

The society, which has been performing for more than 80 years, was forced to find a new home and spent months searching for new premises suitable for their productions.

They eventually decided on Bacup's Royal Court Theatre, Rochdale Road, and are due to stage their first production in their new home in May.

Rossendale Operatic Society member, Brian Till, said: "To move from one end of the Rossendale Valley in Haslingden to Bacup will be a massive upheaval for the society.

"However, tremendous assistance has been given by those involved at the theatre and by Bacup Amateur Operatic Society and has resulted in us being able to stage a production."

The production will be a version of the famous Rogers and Hammerstein show Carousel.

Simon Parker, chairman of Bacup Amateur Operatic Society, said: "They are hiring the theatre for a week because the council has closed down the public halls.

"There wasn't anywhere suitable for them to stage their performance so we have offered them an olive branch.

"We are sharing the building with them and they are lending us some of their sound equipment which is a really good way to be.

"It's great to be able to help each other out and as a result we are going to hold a get together so all the members can meet one another."

The event is being held at the Royal Court Theatre on Saturday, April 12, at 8pm for Bacup and Rossendale Operatic Society members.

Carousel is due to be performed between May 13 and 17.