A group of young performers are sending out an SOS for help in finding a key prop needed for their show – a single brass bed on wheels.

It is needed for the Central School of Dancing and Performing Art's production of Drum at the Theatre Royal next month.

In Act One the students are performing their interpretation of the ballet The Nutcracker and it is for this section that the bed is needed.

The story tells the tale of a young German girl called Clara who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads.

Amy Palmer, 16, from Taverham, will be playing the part of Clara in the show.

She said: 'In part of the story Clara falls asleep and goes into a magical dream world.

'The bed is a very important prop. It will help the audience understand what is happening. If somebody out there is able to lend us a bed we would be very grateful.

'It is going to be a really good show. We have been preparing for a long while for it.'

Charlotte Corbett, principal of the Central School of Dancing and Performing Arts based in St George's Street, Norwich, said: 'The bed is part of the journey where Clara goes into the land of dreams.

'It is imperative that we find a bed so she has somewhere to go to sleep and have the dream!'

Act II of Drum will see the cast of 250 performers take the audience on the journey of the African drum from Africa to America, and the show features a range of different styles of music including blues, hip hop and more.

Anybody who has a suitable bed that could be used in the show should call Charlotte Corbett on 07740 703020. The bed would need to be available for rehearsals during the week before the show.

Drum is being performed at Norwich Theatre Royal on Sunday, May 1 at 2.30pm and 7pm. Ticket prices are from �5.50 to �15. To book visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.

Are you putting on an unusual event? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk