IF the glamourous Copa Girls are not enough to bring in the audiences for Burnley Light Opera Society’s latest production, they’ll be hoping a special ticket offer will do the trick.

Taking inspiration from one of Copacabana’s top songs Man Wanted, sung by leading lady Lola, and in a bid to get young men involved with the arts, BLOS are offering free tickets to men aged 16 to 25.

The Barry Manilow musical Copacabana runs at Burnley Mechanics from Saturday, featuring the Grammy award-winning title track as well as a host of other songs.

Starring as the struggling songwriter Stephen, and his musical creation Tony, is James Cockerill, with Sophie Lord playing the aspiring showgirl and Tony’s love interest Lola.

The production, directed by Anthony Williams with musical director Jonathan Chalker, also stars David Norris as club owner Sam, Tori Green as ex-Copa Girl Gladys, Geoff Baron as bad guy Rico as Anne Mason as fading star Conchita.

A BLOS spokesman said: “‘Her name was Lola; she was a showgirl’, and so begins the saga of Lola and Tony. Their tale of love and romance on the way to stardom has captivated millions.

“Copacabana’s original songs created by Barry Manilow, dazzling costumes, spectacular sets and sensational choreography all add up to an evening of entertainment that will leave you breathless.

“We want to actively encourage more men to take part in the arts, as Lola sings ‘Man Wanted’. If you’re a man aged between 16 and 25 you can claim a free ticket to see Copacabana.”

Songwriter Stephen’s imagination transports him back to the screen musical heydays of the 1940s as he creates the fictional Copacabana nightclub, where bar tender Tony falls for the new girl, Lola.

When she is abducted and taken to Cuba by rival club gangster Rico, Tony sets out to rescue his love.

n Copacabana, Burnley Light Opera Society, Burnley Mechanics, Saturday, November 10 to Saturday, Novemebr 17. Tickets cost from £10 on 01282 664400 or at www.burnleymechanics.co.uk. To claim a free man’s ticket - for performances on November 13 or 14, email Cynthia.morris1 @btinternet.com with your name, address and age, and the number of additional, paid for, tickets required. Proof of age may be required.