THE shoe must go on! That's the motto for a group of young players, who need the loan of some fancy footwear to ensure that their show can go ahead.

Nicola Howlett, 16, from Haxby, and Dan Lawrence, 17, from Wigginton, who are both students at Joseph Rowntree School, York, are the leads in the Flying Ducks Youth Theatre production of The Music Man.

The show, which includes the famous song 76 Trombones, will be performed at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, from Thursday, April 10, to Saturday, April 12.

Approximately 40 young people from Haxby and Wigginton are involved in the production which is set in 1912, in the American state of Iowa.

The company is gearing up for a lively performance - but they are short of a few items of costume, particularly shoes.

Top of their "shopping list" are size 11, smart, older men's shoes (either black or brown), and also ladies white bowling shoes (sizes four to seven)

- as shown in our picture.

Also, if anyone has any "loud" men's suits, fitting the period, these would also come in handy.

Anyone able to loan any of these items should phone Jill Outhwaite on York 761806.

The show's director, Steve Outhwaite, said: "The Music Man requires a lot of colourful costumes and we have been working hard to kit everybody out.

"However, we cannot tread the boards without shoes. The show promises to be lots of fun for all involved and anyone wanting tickets should contact Pam Davies on 01904 761400."

Updated: 10:00 Saturday, March 15, 2003