A musical war of words has erupted over a hit show that is coming to Carlisle, with the Musicians' Union claiming it does not have enough live music.

Paul Elliott's acclaimed production of Dirty Dancing – based on the classic film starring the late Patrick Swayze - is coming to the Sands Centre from October 24 to 29 as part of a sell-out tour.

Campaigners say that in previous tours the show employed eight rather than the five current musicians.

Mr Elliott says the union has a right to protest – but he vehemently rejects its suggestion that he is not doing enough to support live music, saying the show had to be redesigned for smaller venues.

A small number of Musicians' Union members say they will protest outside the Sands Centre on October 24.

They object to the claim that the show – used in promotional material – that it is the “ultimate live experience.” Despite the current smaller "scaled-back production”, they say, ticket prices remain comparable with all previous tours of Dirty Dancing.

Horace Trubridge, MU Assistant General Secretary, said: “In a musical, live musicians are a fundamental part of the show; for quality, audience enjoyment and value for money.

“The MU fought for more live music in the current production of Dirty Dancing, but the producer refused and therefore we believe the all-important musical element of the show is compromised.

‘Returning fans keen to see this show based on their enjoyment of previous tours may be disappointed to witness the apparent cost-cutting changes that have been made. The MU believes that live theatre should be just that – live.”

Fellow MU member Alex Mann added: “We've always fought to retain employment for musicians. We intent to have a friendly demonstration, talking to audience members and explaining our concerns.”

Mr Elliott said the union had protested at every single theatre the show had been staged in - yet there had not been a single complaint from those who have seen the show.

“He said: “The Musicians' Union members have a democratic right to protest – as long as they are not abusive or violent. But what they're saying is nonsense.

“Other than Cameron Mackintosh, I've employed more musicians than any other producer in the country.

“There are 28 members of the company and five live musicians. We had eight live musicians on the last tour but we had to redesign it and redirect it to make it possible to get it into theatres such as the one in Carlisle.

“We haven't had a single complaint.”

Jonathan Higgins, arts and events manager at the Sands, said: “It's our job to bring the biggest and the best possible shows to Carlisle and we've gone to considerable expense to make this show fit into the Sands.

“It's taken months of preparation.

“You only have to read the reviews to know how good this show is. There's not one that's not five star.”