AUDIENCES of a Christchurch theatre are used to seeing scenes of high drama on the stage.

But those who attended the Christchurch Scout and Guide Gang Show at the Regent last weekend had the opportunity to see fairytale romance come to life as smitten Mark Dolan proposed to his girlfriend.

Young performers had reached their final song, On the Crest of a Wave, when producer Chris Root suddenly called a halt to the show.

Mark then walked onto the stage before getting down on one knee and offering an engagement ring to his partner, long-time Gang Show participant Beckie Shaylor.

And Beckie immediately accepted - much to the relief of more than 300 people in the audience, who broke into applause.

Mark had originally planned to propose to Beckie in Bournemouth's balloon.

However, when it was grounded last year, he had to change his plans.

He then decided to propose during the Gang Show performance as Beckie has been involved with the show since she was eight.

Mark said: "I was pretty sure that Beckie would say yes but I was very nervous as I watched the show from the stalls, knowing that the moment I would take centre stage was getting closer and closer."

Beckie said: "As soon as I saw Mark appear from the wings, I knew this would be the happiest moment of my life and then promptly burst into tears with my mum who was with me.

"The rest is a bit of a blur but when everyone started applauding and congratulating us, I knew it wasn't just a dream.

"It was absolutely amazing and even the younger Scouts and Guides were in tears."

It is the first time in the Regent's history that such a proposal has taken place.

A spokesperson from the venue said: "Everyone at the Regent Centre would like to congratulate Beckie and Mark and to wish them every happiness for the future.

"We would also like to thank Mark for choosing the Regent to pop the question."