Austrian love story had comedy too

THIS week’s Memory Lane feature takes a look back at a production by an amateur operatic group in the Valley in the 1950s.

Our regular Memory Lane contributor, Peter Fisher, has sent us some pictures and old programmes from his collection.

Rawtenstall Amateur Operatic performed The Gipsy Princess from March 5 to 10, 1951.

This week we are showcasing a shot of the chorus (above).

There are also shots of W Landless, president of the society, and W Middleton, chairman (top right, from left).

There are pictures of Cyril Collins, the producer, and S Merlin Hall, the director (below, from left) and a picture of the production programme (far right).

The show first premiered in Vienna, Austria, at the Johann Strauss theatre in November, 1915. It was called Die Csárdásfürstin.

It is the story of the love of a famous cabaret star for a prince who cannot marry a commoner.

His mother, Princess Karen, eventually saves the day with a last minute disclosure about her own past.

The score includes delightful operetta melodies, and there are several good comedy parts.

If these pictures bring back memories, please get in touch with the newsdesk.

Many thanks to all our regular nostalgia contributors.