BLACKBURN Gilbert and Sullivan Society's production at the Civic Theatre in Oswaldtwistle this week should make at least four other people pretty happy.

The Merry Widow, by Franz Lehar, is being staged from tonight to Saturday at 7.15pm.

Free raffle tickets for Friday's gala night will offer a short break for two to Paris. And bottles of champagne will be awarded to the most elegant lady and the most debonair gentleman attending that night.

Gala night guests can imagine themselves at an evening reception at the Pontevedran Embassy in Paris in 1905. His Excellency, the Grand Duke of Pontevedro, is celebrating his 93rd birthday.

Seats are £6 on Monday, £7.50 (£7 concessions) from Tuesday to Thursday, £10 on gala night and £8 on Saturday.

On the gala night the cost of the ticket includes a free programme, coffee and biscuits and raffle tickets for the chance of winning a trip to Paris.

The production is supported by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackburn with Darwen Arts Council.

Tickets are available by telephoning 01254 57663. For more information about the gala night telephone 01254 873249.