IT PROMISES to be a close shave but drama society chairman David Winslow reckons he'll be on song in time for his big opening night tonight -- after a last-minute call-up.

David, chairman of Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, has stepped into a native American role for this week's Youth Theatre production, Calamity Jane. And in the name of authenticity he has shaved off his ever-present moustache.

David, a stalwart of the society, took on the role after the production team of Helen Clarkson, Andrew Rawlinson and Rachel Rogers decided that an "older" performer was required.

But David's wife Gillian, who is wardrobe mistress for the production, says she's a bit uncertain about his new clean-shaven look -- as she had never seen him without his moustache.

The show is a light-hearted look at life in the mid-West in the 1860s and the love that blossom between Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane.

Those theatregoers who saw the award-winning production of Sweeney Todd earlier this year will have another chance to see one of the performers in that show, Jodie Haughton.

The show runs from tonight until Saturday at the Hippodrome Theatre, Halifax Road and tickets are £5 and £3.50 (concessions). All tickets are £3.50 on the opening night.

They are available from Todmorden Tourist Information Centre on 01706 818181, or from the booking secretary, Sylvia Sutcliffe, on 01706 813655 (evenings).