FARNWORTH-born professional opera singer Craig Smith first performed on stage in an amateur production of Kiss Me Kate 15 years ago.

Now he is directing Farnworth Performing Arts Company's production of the musical.

Craig, aged 43, has been Musical Director for the following socities: Oldham Metro, North Manchester, Middleton, St Paul's and Bolton Catholics.

Educated at Farnworth Grammar School, Craig was a chemistry teacher until his late twenties when he discovered he could sing!

He gave up teaching to study music and performing at the Royal Northern College of Music, followed by a stint at Zurich Opera House where he performed in, among others, Bizet's Carmen - the stars of which were Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. Since then Craig has performed all over the world.

He has just returned from a three-month tour of the USA and a world cruise.

Kiss Me Kate, a lively and colourful show, has recently finished runs in the West End and on Broadway.

FPAC, now a registered charity, gives free concerts at many homes for the elderly and local church event. The members also take part in major charity events at Manchester Opera House etc and raise money for various charities every year.

Kiss Me Kate will be staged at 7.15pm every evening at the Albert Halls, Bolton, from Tuesday, April 20 to Saturday, April 24 2004 with a matinee on April 24. (Box office: 01204 527092)