Burnley Light Opera Society has begun rehearsals for the annual production, "The Quaker Girl" and members of the chorus meet weekly at Elim School.

From an article by Norman Powell:
My comment last week about the oldest amateur dramatic and operatic societies in Burnley has aroused considerable interest though there seems little doubt that the Garrick Club is the oldest society. I wonder if anyone has any records of amateur music and drama in the town before the Garrick? Rosegrove Methodist Operatic Society has a long history of course, more than 30 years, and I remember St Stephen's Operatic Society celebrated its 21st anniversary with the 1973 production of "The Sound of Music" produced by Malcolm Gent. St Cuthbert's and the Gilbert and Sullivan societies are young in comparison, but they have made a notable contribution to the cultural life of the town since their formation.

I would like the readers who are interested in such things to kindly loan me the oldest programme of an amateur dramatic or musical production they might have and it may be possible to arrange an exhibition of such programmes either in the Express window for all to see or at some future production at the College Theatre. The competition will be to find the oldest programme. Burnley Light Opera Society, St Cuthbert's Operatic Society and the Highcliffe Players have kindly arranged for free seats at the opening nights of their performances.

I recently requested information about the 1940 production of "The Quaker Girls" by Burnley Light Opera Society, and I was surprised to have a call from a gentleman in Nelson who remembered the show at the Victoria Theatre, and could even remember the principal characters. His memory was confirmed by our good friend Hilda Basnett, who has kindly lent me her album containing the programme. Hilda was in the show and played Madam Blum. (Norman Powell lists the other players, including the chorus.)