AMATEUR actors who are dying to tread the boards this season have the chance to audition for a new adaptation of Patrick Marber's The Musicians.

The Musicians, a fast and funny play from the pen of the man who wrote Closer, has been described as Tchaikovsky meets the Pinball Wizard'.

It is the night of the European Festival of Youth in Moscow and in just a few hours' time the UK's Ridley Road Orchestra will give the most important concert of its life - performing Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony before an audience of cultural bigwigs - the only problem being there are no instruments.

Roland the orchestra leader befriends local musician and The Who fanatic Alex, and the two tease one another and share their passion for rock and classical music alike.

Tension mounts when the rest of the orchestra arrive and start complaining about everything from accommodation to the weather until they discover the instruments have been impounded by Russian customs.

Award-winning local director John Kerr will steer this version and the first audition takes place from 7.45pm tonight, Wednesday, at Davenham and Sandiway Players, in Church Street.

But if you can't make it this evening there will be another audition on Wednesday, October 5, at the same venue from 7.45pm.

Male and female performers of all ages are welcome to take part but must be available for the production, which runs from March 8 to 11 next year.

For more information ring Sue Tamblin on 01606 852006, Bob Almquist on 45186, or Jon Kerr on 333273.