PREPARING for a production of the Broadway smash musical 42nd Street has been sew demanding for Karen Holmes and Karen Hudspeth.

The freelance costume makers have had about ten days to make 90 dresses and 77 waistcoats for the Dionysis Theatre Company, which is to take to the stage of Durham's Gala Theatre tonight.

The company, which aims to give fledgling performers up to the age of 25 the chance to take part in professional productions, began rehearsals just over a week ago.

And the two Karens, who offered their services free, had their work cut out, getting all the outfits ready. They laboured through the night before the full dress rehearsal yesterday.

The pair, who met while studying entertainment design and crafts at college, contacted the company after being impressed by its staging of The Little Shop of Horrors.

Ms Hudspeth said: "We have had a few late nights. We do it because we love watching the shows. You feel very proud seeing your work worn on stage.''

Dionysis front of house manager Chris Banks said: "I have never known anyone make costumes as well as these two and we are thrilled they have come on board with the show. They have fitted in really well and we have got on like a house on fire.''

Mrs Banks added that tickets for the show were selling well and that Saturday night had already sold out.

The show will be performed tonight through to Saturday, at 7pm, with a matinee on Saturday at 2pm. Tickets cost £14 and are available from the box office on 0191-332 4041.