The show must always go on, but for a group of drama students it nearly didn't - until staff at a Ryedale stately home stepped in.

Performing arts students from Park Lane College in Leeds were planning to perform Alice In Wonderland at Lotherton Hall in May.

Lotherton, however, is closed indefinitely because of the foot and mouth crisis, which left the students with a show but no stage. They put out an emergency call for alternative outdoor venues, which was answered by staff from Castle Howard, near Malton.

Alice In Wonderland will now go ahead as planned with ten shows between May 4 and 20.

Tutor in charge of performing arts Vivienne Razavilar said: "At last we know that the show will go on. If Castle Howard had not offered to host the production the show would have been cancelled, leaving a lot of people disappointed.

"I am thrilled that the publicity surrounding our problem was heard and acted upon by the people at Castle Howard."

A spokesperson from Castle Howard said: "We are delighted to help and will welcome the students and their production with open arms."

Tickets are priced £7 for adults, £5 for children and include admission to the Castle Howard grounds on performance day.

For further details or to buy tickets, ring Castle Howard on 01653 648 333.

Updated: 11:50 Monday, April 30, 2001