THE cast is in place for New Earswick Musical Society's autumn show, Mack And Mabel, at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in York.

Directed by society stalwart Anne McCreadie, with musical direction by Don Pears, the Michael Stewart and Jerry Herman musical will run from November 12 to 15 and will feature the experienced Steve Tearle as Mack, in the wake of his taking up another lead role at New Earswick this summer.

Steve was appointed chairman at the annual general meeting in July and has plans to take the society forward, working in tandem with a new a group of talented people in the New Earswick team. "Steve says this is an a exciting time for the society, and the team have lots of great ideas," says new publicity officer Jane Holiday.

"We're privileged to have a great following at New Earswick Musical Society and a super fan base. We won't disappoint anyone but we want to introduce beautiful musical theatre with a modern twist . We'll also be introducing new shows that will suit our fan base and will bring new talent into the society ."

Playing opposite Steve in Mack And Mabel will be Julie Hannah, who steps out the chorus line to be Mabel in the 7.30pm evening shows and 2.30pm Saturday matinee. "Julie is an amazing actress and has the talent and charisma to pull off the role," saysJane.

The part of Lottie goes to Perri Barley, who played Carrie Pipperidge in New Earswick's Carousel, and the principal cast also features Chris Hagyard as Fatty; Richard Rogers and Baumann; Jo Pears as Ella; Kevin Bowes as Desmond and Mark Friend as Kessel.

Away from the stage, Mavis Mashheder, a society member for 60 years, may have retired from the chairman's post but Steve Tearle will not let her rest for long. "Mavis will still be involved with the society and has been made life president," he says.