CAST members at York Theatre Royal have been brushing up their cycling skills in preparation for the historic venue's new production.

Performers have been pedalling six authentic Dutch bikes which will be used in the musical, Piaf, by Pam Gems.

The theatre stage will be transformed into the bustling streets of Paris for the tale of the life of Edith Piaf, the famous French chanteuse, which spans three decades.

The cast have been practising using the two-wheeled machines in full costume.

Andy Shrimpton, owner of York's Cycle Heaven, donated the shining Dutch roadsters.

Elizabeth Mansfield, as Edith Piaf, is pictured hitching a ride on the back of a bike ridden by Peter Landi, as fellow cast members cycle around the stage at the Theatre Royal

Updated: 11:18 Friday, May 31, 2002