A MUSICAL show will go on, despite the death of the man whose dream inspired it.

Cancer sufferer George Pill had teamed up with his long-standing pal, Cecil Walker, to produce The Wizard of Oz as a grand finale to a life devoted to the amateur stage in Britain and America.

The pair combined their talents to line up a magical 'swan-song' due to open for a week at Crewe's Lyceum theatre on May 14.

George knew that time was running out for him and was determined that his last production would be something special. He committed thousands of pounds of his own money to the musical.

"Sadly he just didn't make it. But his dream is going to come true. We are determined that the show will go on," said Mr Walker.

George was producer and his friend had the role of business manager.

"Now things have changed of course, but I won't be taking over from him. We have formed a production team including our two musical directors and choreographer.

"George will be greatly missed. But we have the notes he made. He has probably plotted seventy per cent of the show and we only have to look at his book. We are determined that his dream will come true," Mr Walker added.

Rehearsals are about to begin, costumes have begun to arrive and tickets are now on sale at the Lyceum box office on 537333.