THE producers of the West End hit comedy The Ladykillers are on the search for four lucky ladies to join the cast on the Theatre Royal Plymouth stage as the show starts its UK tour.

The Ladykillers tells the story of the eccentric little old lady Mrs Wilberforce who lives alone with her parrot in a strange lopsided house in King's Cross.

Her life is turned upside down by the arrival of Professor Marcus and his four friends, who between them make up the most unlikely group of criminals.

Planning the heist of a security van, they decide to use Mrs Wilberforce as cover and involve her unwittingly in the plot.

Four ladies are needed in Plymouth to take the part of Mrs Wilberforce's friends, described in the script as a 'swarm of old ladies'!

It is a non-speaking role, and a chance to appear on stage alongside a wonderful cast, including Michele Dotrice, Shaun Williamson and Clive Mantle.

The ladies will need to be:

l Aged 55-plus

l Around a dress size 12-14/medium to fit into the tour's costumes

l No taller than 5ft 5ins

l Capable of getting on and off stage swiftly

l Available on Thursday, September 13 for a walk around the set and a short rehearsal

l Able to follow simple instructions from the director, although previous stage experience is not necessary

l Available for each performance. They will be able to leave when they are no longer required – around five minutes into the second half. Performances are Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, plus matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

To nominate your nan (or any other lady who fits the bill!), complete the form available on the Theatre Royal website, http://www.theatreroyal.com">www.theatreroyal.com, and submit it with a recent photograph by Tuesday, August 28.

Shortlisted ladies will be invited to the Theatre Royal on Thursday, August 30, when the successful ladies will be chosen. Applications can be submitted by post or email.