THEY were rehearsing a version of the hit musical Les Misérables, and the title could not have been more apt - after unhappy York residents asked these actors to shut up or shut the door.

The Northern Musical Theatre Company youth section were practising numbers from The School Edition Of Les Misérables in Copmanthorpe Women's Institute (WI) Hall on Friday, when they opened the doors to cope with the stifling temperatures.

But it seems their singing didn't much impress the good people of Copmanthorpe - who promptly complained about the noise.

The WI was notified, and asked the show's directors to close the doors again or stop altogether - meaning that as the mercury soared on Saturday, the 55-strong cast had to finish early.

Co-director Lesley Jones said: "It's such a shame. We were gutted. If they had just walked round and said: It's a bit loud,' we would have said sorry.

"There were loads of kids singing their hearts out. The president of the WI said there had been complaints. What a shame - it's kids, for goodness sake.

"We had to close the doors, and it was just getting hotter and hotter. We just had to stop it and let them outside, not singing."

Mrs Jones said the cast had come from across North Yorkshire, some from up to 40 miles away.

The show - which ironically includes the song Do You Hear The People Sing? - is being performed at York's Grand Opera House from July 3 to 7.

As a gesture of goodwill, Lesley and her co-director husband, Bev, are now offering those who complained complimentary tickets for the show.

Mr Jones said: "I try to make sure all my productions are presented to the highest standards possible, dramatically, visually and musically, and this grand scale musical is no different.

"Despite their ages, on average 15 to 19 years, the cast is equalled only by the West End cast currently playing at The Queen's Theatre in London.

"However, we sincerely apologise to those people who felt the need to complain. Had they popped their heads in the door we could have dealt with the problem straight away."

WI president Glenis Wedzicha said there had been a complaint, but the WI itself had no objections to the group, and regretted that the complaint had been made.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said their noise nuisance line had received no complaints in relation to the WI Hall.