FOR most of us, an opera is a relaxing, uplifting or thought-provoking show that we enjoy from the comfort of the auditorium.

However, from our luxurious position it is easy to forget the many hours spent holding auditions, learning lines, rehearsing songs, designing sets and adapting the script.

Indeed, many of us are completely oblivious to the hard work that goes into producing a quality opera.

So, dear reader, to cure our woeful ignorance on this point, I went to meet the members of Haverfordwest Operatic Society, to research the anatomy of a show, from when a title is first suggested to the moment the final curtain falls, hopefully to rapturous applause.

As far back as May 2005, some members of the group were already thinking of a project for this summer.

My Fair Lady - based on George Bernard Shaw's 19th century comedy of manners Pygmalion - was among the ideas that the company submitted to their committee and after lengthy discussion, it was the one chosen.

Chairman of the society and director of the opera, Nick Parry, said: "When we are deciding what production to put on, we have to look at popularity, what will put bums on seats, the cost of a production and what people we have in the society.

"For example we couldn't do West Side Story because we don't have enough young people and it would be unfair to leave our regulars out."

He went on to say that one of the first and most important things to do when organising an opera is to find a high quality backstage crew, the unsung heroes who ensure that everything goes alright on the night. For My Fair Lady these include musical director Ifor Phillips, choreographer Emma Zambas and Margaret Williams who is in charge of costumes.

In December this year the group started learning the 14 songs on which the famous production hangs. Once the group have got to grips with the songs, it is time to cast the lead players, who begin practising scenes and learning their lines before they are joined by supporting actors.

During the months of furious work learning their lines, the set and costumes are quietly coming together in the background.

Then after the dialogue has been tweaked, lines perfected and performances polished, the group will be ready to boldly step onto the stage and bring to life the legendary musical created by Alan Lerner and Frederick Loewe.

l Those of you who would like to see Professor Henry Higgins struggle to make a lady out of cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle will be pleased to know that there are several performances, running from May 16th to May 20th at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

Tickets cost between £7 and £9 and can be booked from the box office on 01646 694192.