CHRISTMAS came later than normal for Millom audiences as youngsters put on a festive favourite on the first two days in February.

Those were the dates chosen for performances of A Christmas Carol at the Palladium by a new 54-strong new theatre group of Millom youngsters.

The Mail on January 21 in 1997 noted: “The children’s drama group Stage was set up last year for six to 16-year-olds wishing to tread the boards and this will be its first production.”

The group was set up by Norma Date and her daughter Narissa Nicholas and involved weekly sessions at the Palladium in acting, singing and choral speaking.

Alex Coke-Woods was playing the role of Scrooge, with Liam Cloudsdale as Jacob Marley.

Kieran McQuire was Tiny Tim and Kevin Rogan was Mr Fezziwig.

The three Christmas ghosts were played by Sarah Carney, Stephen Watson and Lauren Fisher.