THEY'VE been entertaining audiences since 1965 and the Chandler's Ford-based Chameleon theatre Company is still going strong.

So strong, in fact, that the group's latest three-night production of the Philip King farce See How They Run at The Ritchie Memorial Hall, Hursley Road, is a complete sell-out.

The popular and lively comedy involves an actress, a bishop and an escaped World War II prisoner of war in hilarious confusion.

"It was first written in 1945 but it is a funny and popular play nonetheless," explained the Chameleon's business manager Sheila Hardiman. And the latest offering is bound to please the following the 30-strong amateur drama group has built up.

"Although we are not a very big group, we do three dramatic productions during the year plus a pantomime.

"We have a mailing list and people come from all round the Southampton area and Winchester to see us.

"We have a very strong following and probably sell more tickets to the following than the general public," explained Sheila.

"The thing about amateur theatre is that it encompasses such a wide range of people - our oldest member is 75 and our youngest member is 18.

"What makes it fun is the big spread of people and lots of interests."

And the message that amateur theatre is great is something that Sheila is anxious to spread in a bid not only to recruit more members for the Chameleons but also for other amateur groups.

Anyone interested in treading the boards or working behind the scenes can contact her on 023 8025 4027.

The group also has a website which can be accessed on: www.chameleons.freeuk.com

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.