FOUNDED in1926 and poised once more to delight comic opera lovers with another colourful extravaganza of melodic music, sweet-sounding song and lively libretto!

Such is the St Helens Catholic Amateur Gilbert and Sullivan Society, who celebrate their 75th anniversary with a lavish production of 'Patience' (alias 'Bunthorne's Bride') at the Theatre Royal from Tuesday-Saturday, March 13-17.

The fifth work of master-of-mirth William Schwenk Gilbert and musical maestro Arthur Sullivan, 'Patience' was first enacted in 1881 at the newly-built Savoy Theatre, London, which was the brainchild of D'Oyly Carte and the first in Europe to be lit by electricity

The garrulous Gilbert harboured reservations about the subject matter and re-wrote the synopsis, this time using the hilarious concept of curates from adjoining parishes vieing for the affection of coquettish young ladies.

Fearing charges of irreverence, Gilbert reverted to his original theme by replacing the gentlemen of the cloth with a duo of yearning aesthetics, and an enchanting, satirical story line emerges.

Tickets for 'Patience' may be purchased from the Theatre Royal box office, telephone St Helens 756000. Alternatively they can be obtained from secretary Joan McKibbon on 88-4813.

Taking a stroll down Memory Lane, the sometimes chequered history of the society is fascinating, with its formation at Lowe House in August, 1926, seeing it dubbed St Helens Catholic Amateur Operatic Society, with Frank Appleton, Harry Rotherham, Frank Barrow and Bessie Mercer among founder members

The enthusiastic cast initially trod the boards with 'Lilly of Killarney', while grand and light opera followed until 1933 when -- much to the delight of committed Savoyards -- 'The Pirates of Penzance' was performed.

Unable to afford costumes in those distant days, the resourceful ladies of Lowe House formed a sewing circle under wardrobe mistress Mary Leigh, and their nimble fingers were responsible for dressing the chorus in 'The Mikado' circa 1935.

G and S has remained the society's piece-de-resistance since that momentous year, with the Gilbert and Sullivan appendage being inserted in 1963, and it was at this point that productions were moved to their present base after an enjoyable 14-year stay at the Pilkington Theatre.

Personalities abounded down the years, with musical maestros such as George Mercer, May Rotherham, Bill Dennett, Doctor Francis Mooney, Vincent McCormack and Joe and Tom Leigh springing readily to mind.

Vincent Brennan, John Flood and stage director Margaret Davies have maintained the heady standards of their predecessors, while lead singers have often come from within the ranks, with Laura Hudson, Ann McNally, Mary Mounfield,Wilfred Fyles and Terence Follin continuing that trend more recently.

'Lord High Chancellor'' James Culley, Mark Little, Gordon Bowden and long-serving Gerry Henebery are just a sample of G and S stalwarts who have enraptured audiences, while it would be remiss not to mention behind-the-scenes dedication of chairman Magdalen Scott and secretary Dorrie McNamara.

So, if you are anxious to help maintain the contribution St Helens Catholic Amateur Gilbert and Sullivan Society makes to the cultural life of the town, give them your support with 'Patience' at the Theatre Royal -- you will not be disappointed!