THE actual programme for this year's Music of The Night spectacular, which runs from Monday to Friday, July 16-20, is yet to be finalised, but everyone involved in the planning stage is determined to make this final production the best ever.

Since the series started by Roger Redfarn back in 1992 there have been nine such shows, which are second only in size to the Edinburgh Tattoo. There would have been one in 2010 but owing to military demands, on 29 Commando Royal Artillery at the Citadel the occasion was skipped, with the intention of making this tenth production the series' crowning glory.

One of the toughest yet least-appreciated is the function of the wardrobe team. Just imagine having to provide costumes for 250 performers, each appearing in a variety of extracts from different musicals.

Theatre Royal Applause Club chairman Jeanette Nicholls had been responsible for the wardrobe on all the productions, and each year has amassed a devoted team of needle wielders to make from scratch, fit, alter and mend hundreds of costumes. Some of them have worked on all the previous nine productions, which is a testament to the enjoyment and camaraderie they clearly derive from being involved in such a dedicated crew.

But additional helpers are needed. Age is no barrier (sometimes the average have been about 70), and work can be done at home. Jeanette has over 70 large boxes of costumes made for previous shows (including 60 nuns' outfits just in case a certain musical should turn up again), but depending on which musicals end up being featured, some of the existing stock may need to be altered.

There's a meeting for potential members of the team at 8pm next Thursday , in the stalls bar of the theatre Royal. Previous members will be welcome back with open arms. New ones (please bring a small example of your work) will quickly see from the old stagers what a thoroughly enjoyable time they can derive as a member of a special and essential team, even though they will be working their socks off.

So, as Jeannette says, if you've got busy fingers and don't mind going sockless, come and join them.