THE wonders of information technology have gained a local theatre company a new supporter from 6,000 miles away - and given them a cyber-sized problem proving difficult to digest!

For when Stephen Hill, treasurer of St Helens Catholic Gilbert and Sullivan Society, was surfing the Internet and homed in on 'Savoyne' - a discussion group for G & S buffs - he chanced upon Keith Thompson, of Alberta in Canada.

On learning that Keith was about to visit England, enterprising Stephen suggested he take in the society's recent productions 'Trial by Jury' and 'HMS Pinafore' and promptly sold him a ticket via the net.

Globetrotting Thompson duly took his dress circle seat at the Theatre Royal and bought a programme containing a free-draw competition slip, which he completed and placed in the entry box, before leaving for Liverpool when the final curtain fell.

But then an astonished stage director Vincent Brennan pulled out Keith Thompson's lucky ticket for a slap-up meal for two at Sammy's Restaurant, right opposite the theatre in Corporation Street!

So I.T. whizz-kid Stephen Hill is again glued to the Internet as the hunt intensifies for the elusive Canadian, and although Cyberspace is alive with electronic feelers the notion is Keith will have to settle for a takeaway - and a cold one at that!

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.