WHAT better choice of show to reopen the famous City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds after its £9.9m refurbishment than a musical comedy set in an Edwardian music hall.

And what more topical title than, Big Society. The show runs from January 18 until February 4 and stars comedian Phill Jupitus.

At its heart is the cast of an Edwardian variety show which is threatened with closure at the hands of the corrupt newspaper, The Double Standard.

Leeds-based Red Ladder which is based at the Yorkshire Dance Building, has been auditioning people to get involved in pre-performance street theatre during the run of the show.

They looked for people interested in live performance, in donning Edwardian costume and heckling the upper classes.

During the run, these newly recruited street performers will be entertaining audiences before each performance.

Those chosen to test their vocal skills and their ability to work an audience during this fun run of a show will work on a rota performing for half an hour for four or five shows spread out across the performances. The show itself features live music from Chumbawamba.