IN THE PAST: A scene from one of Sarah Siddons Fan Club's previous shows

HISTORY has never been so interesting, thanks to the Southampton-based Sarah Siddons Fan Club. The group has been creating its own idiosyn-cratic form of theatre, bringing Southampton's history to life since 1986.

The company takes its name from 18th centu-ry tragic actress Sarah Siddons, who was a frequent visitor to Southampton and who owned a house in the city.

Productions are based on historical incidents. Previous shows have included Taking the Flounce, about Jane Austen's stay in Regency Southampton; Move Along Inside Please and Room For One More on Top, a co-production with City Transport Vintage Buses to com-memorate the 50th anniversary of D-Day and VE Day, and Gateway to the Empire, marking the 100th anniversary of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee.

The group has also performed The Merrie Wives of Hamton, a story of Tudor House recre-ating the lives of the museum's 16th and 17th century inhabitants.

This year the company will be giving an account of the history of St Michael's Church from its foundation in 1070. The masons who built it through to the various vicars who played a part in its history will be brought to life as well as the role played in the Second World War.

Mem-bers are also known for Christmas ghost walks, provid-ing fun moments with The Leper's Day Out; Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know as well as The Quick and the Dead.

For more details about the group ring 01703 220536.

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