Originally thought to be a "Christmas Pantomime at St. Stephen's Church", thanks to the boon of searchable online copies of the Burnley Express in the British Newspaper Archive, it has been discovered that this was almost certainly a performance of "Sherwood's Queen," by T Mee Pattison, which was popular among small choral societies at the time of the image. There follows a transcription of the report from the Burnley Express p. 5, Wednesday, 23 December 1908:

"Sherwood's Queen at St. Stephen's.

One of the best musical treats ever submitted at St. Stephen's School was the performance by the operatic choir of that popular cantata, "Sherwood's Queen" on Saturday, Monday and last nights. It was originally only intended to perform the cantata on two nights, but the audiences were so large and enthusiastic that it was arranged to have another performance when special arrangements were made for the children to be in attendance. On each occasion the performance was gone through in a manner worthy of every praise, everything going with a precision and smoothness that was delightful as well as commendable. Encores were very frequent, and though the choruses were heartily appreciated the favourite items were the duets. "O say, is love but like the sun", "Dear Marian, on this happy day I cannot give thee marble halls", by Mr. W. Crossley (Robin Hood) and Miss E.A. Calvert (Marian), the solos, "Oh, I am a man of peace" and "The jovial monk," by Mr. J. Towler (Friar Tuck), and the trio, "O maiden fair" by Mr. T. Walker (Will Scarlet), Miss B.E. Parkinson (Alice), and Mr. Towler (Friar Tuck). The principal characters were creditably represented by the following ladies and gentlemen - Robin Hood, Mr. W. Crossley; Little John, Mr. W. Heys; Will Scarlet, Mr. T. Walker; Friar Tuck, Mr. J. Towler; Allan-a-dale, Mr. W. Owen; John Arthwell, Mr. J. Taylor; Marian, Miss E.A. Calvert; Alice, Miss B.E. Parkinson; a Widow, Miss A. Whittaker; Three Brothers (sons of the widow), Messrs. J.E. Farrar, J. Pickup and Mr. W. Vallance. There was a chorus of forty foresters and maidens and the cantata was produced under the conductorship of Mr. J.E. Lord, the organist and choir-master. Valuable service was rendered by Mr. Andrew Entwistle, who acted as stage manager, and Mr. E.F. Scholfield's band ably supplied the accompaniments. As the schoolroom was packed to the doors on each occasion, it is expected that a fair sum will be realised towards the piano fund and other school requirements."

From this report it is possible put names to some of the faces, e.g. Friar Tuck (Mr. J. Towler), must standing far left, and the lady seated on the far right must surely be "a widow", (Miss A. Whittaker)."

The chorus is said to have numbered 40 foresters and maidens so not all the company must be on the photo.