NEW Rosemere Amateur Operatic Society's choice of Ruddigore for its annual 76th production is music to the ears of one fan from Wembley.

The group stages the Gilbert and Sullivan musical at the Albert Hall from March 25 to 29.

And although it will be the seventh time members of the group will have staged the melodramatic and comic tale, they are mere novices in the eyes of one dedicated fan who put in an early request for tickets.

The request came through the post from Mrs Leighter of Wembley who explained she is an avid fan of Gilbert and Sullivan, and in particular Ruddigore -- which she has seen 65 times.

A spokesman for the group said: "It seems her first introduction to this particular masterpiece was in rehearsal with the Maidenhead Operatic Society some years ago. Subsequently, she moved to London and has sung with various choral and operatic societies.

"She believes that Ruddigore was Gilbert's favourite opera, a passion which she also shares, as she has travelled as far afield as Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool and Wales. It appears that she takes every opportunity to see the latest performance of 'her show.'

"Although we have had visitors from Cumbria, Yorkshire, Brighton and Leicester, these are all friends, relations or acquaintances of members.

"Mrs Leighter is the most distant customer who has been attracted to our shows. She will receive a warm welcome and complimentary hospitality as a Rosemere VIP guest."

Tickets are £8 or £7 concessions, from the Albert Halls box office on 334400, Booth's Music on Churchgate, or from 300666.