Fearing the demise of the 60-year-old community institution, the company took another look at the wider community supporting it.

The result, said publicity officer Paul Morrison, was that The Regals became more family-friendly, putting on shows with wider appeal.

Now there is money in the bank, and the company is stronger than ever and ready to go on stage next week with its latest production Bye Bye Birdie.

"We couldn't survive without the help of the community, and particularly the families involved with the shows,'' says Mr Morrison, whose new son Jacob is a fourth-generation Regal, although only a social member (until he learns to walk and talk).

It's the sort of place where mums and dads and the kids appear on stage together or help out with the behind-the-scenes work.

Mr Morrison has been involved since 1997, on stage and at committee level, as have his sisters Jenny and Julie.

Their parents, John and Cheryl Morrison, met during a Regals' production, and are life members.

Their late grandparents, Yvonne and Mark Surtees, were involved for more than 30 years.

Yvonne was patron and ticket secretary, while Mark performed.

Relative newcomer to the company, Daniel Lupevski, 16, came on board three years ago to play the lead in Peter Pan and has been a regular since, as have his parents who are happily involved with front-of-house. Due to school and soccer commitments, Daniel is taking it easy in the chorus for this production.

Other family groupings include the Harts, the Rileys, Moggs, Stantons, Socals, Hoeberigs and Naltys.

In Bye Bye Birdie the plot revolves around rock 'n' roll superstar Conrad Birdie who has been drafted into the Army. His agent and songwriter Albert wants him to record a song before he is sent overseas.

The plan is to have Birdie sing Albert's new song One Last Kiss and give a girl from his fan club a real ``last kiss'' on a television variety show before going into the Army.

Bye Bye Birdie is on at Rockdale Town Hall, May 15, 16, 17, 22 and 23. Phone: 95332862 for

bookings.