THIS regal picture of ladies and gents lined up at a glamorous party could be mistaken for a snapshot of a bygone era.

And while it may be from the past, it was taken no more than 34 years ago rather than hundreds.

St Philips Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society pulled out all the stops with a big cast production of a romantic opera.

Donning big gowns and impressive uniforms, they took the audience on a journey to Saxon Heidelberg for Sigmund Romberg's The Student Prince back in March 1983.

The operetta in four acts was first premiered in Broadway back in 1924 and tells the tale of crown prince Karl Franz who escapes the burden of court life for the carefree existence of a student.

Falling in love with innkeepers daughter waitress Kathie, their life is set to fall apart when the king – the prince's father – falls seriously ill.