Spend all that money on the costumes and then they come off... CHARLES HUTCHINSON charts the perils of staging Moll Flanders

EACH year, director John Cooper takes his older actors up the A1 to the Edinburgh Fringe and they change the company name from Stagecoach Youth Theatre York to A1 Theatre Productions.

The reason? "To attract an adult audience which has no preconceptions in relation to standards or age of performers," says John.

"The switch has worked well for them in the past with capacity houses for Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood and their Shakespeare Revue and this year the company is previewing its latest Fringe offering in York next week under the A1 banner to ensure audiences are aware of the adult subject of the show, Moll Flanders."

This musical production, based on Daniel Defoe's story of the life and bed times of a 17th century whore, marks a significant first for Stagecoach and A1: it forms the inaugural production in Stagecoach's new home at Trinity Hall, Monkgate.

"Although audience numbers will be purposefully limited until further building works are completed, A1 company members have managed to raise enough funds to buy basic lighting and drapes to mount this challenging show," says John.

"As a result of the limitations of both Trinity Hall and the Edinburgh venue, at South Bridge Resource Centre, the scenery and furniture will be 'created' by the actors. For the 27 scenes, they will become variously beds, writing desks, leafy arbours, pubs and boats!"

While sumptuous set designs will be absent, costumes are a different matter. Many have been made in York by a coterie of supporters, not least costume designer Janet Hull, who is responsible for Moll's striking London dress.

"We had to invest a lot in the numerous costumes, for no sooner do they put them on than they take'em off again!" says John. "We've always taken risks in some of our programming, and Moll Flanders is no exception. It's definitely not suitable for younger audiences."

Moll Flanders will be flaunting her wares at Trinity Hall from May 29 to June 1 at 8pm nightly, and tickets are available at £6, concessions £5, on 01904 674675 or on the door.

Despite the pressures of A-levels and degree finals, A1's nine-strong cast is determined Moll Flanders will flower not flounder. "The academic workload has led to the cancellation of some rehearsals but we're all sure Moll will come good on the night," John says.

Updated: 09:02 Friday, May 24, 2002