THE Arcadians is an Edwardian musical comedy, first performed more than a century ago at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 1909.

The Arcadians is in three acts with a book by Mark Ambient and Alexander M. Thompson, lyrics by Arthur Wimperis and music by Lionel Monckton and Howard Talbot. The story concerns some idyllic Arcadians who wish to transform wicked London to a land of truth and simplicity.

First produced by Robert Courtneidge, the musical opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 1909, and ran for 809 performances. This was the third longest run for any musical theatre piece up to that time.

The production starred Phyllis Dare, Dan Rolyat and Florence Smithson. A Broadway production opened in 1910 and ran for 193 performances, and the piece was toured extensively in Britain.

A silent film version was made in 1927, and the piece was popular with amateur theatre groups through the 20th century The work is regarded as the finest example of its genre, with Monckton’s melodic talent supported by Talbot’s technical skill. Blackburn Amateurs staged it at the Grand Theatre, in Jubilee Street, in 1948.

This photograph shows the society’s dancing troupe, dressed in jockey outfits for scene II, which is set at a racecourse cup day. It was sent in by Audrey Foy, nee Elliott, who is on the right on the back row,.

She has been able to name, from left on the back row – Hilda Hook and Doreen Bartroupe.

On the front, pictured from left, are Margaret Entwistle, Josie Billington and Brenda Holgate.