By Julie Armstrong

Last updated 21:07, Monday, 31 March 2008

TWO couples show their love of theatre by swapping their loved ones in the Carlisle Musical Society performance of Gershwin’s Crazy for You.

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Man in tow: Irene, played by Lisa Dykes, keeps Yank, performed by Michael Spencer, in line for next week’s show

The leading roles of Bobby and Polly are played by James Clifford Mitchell and Lexie Ward.

They were also paired up romantically as Grace and Rooster in the society’s last production, Annie.

But in real life the performing arts students go out with Michael Spencer and Lisa Dykes, who take the second lead roles of Yank and Irene in Crazy For You.

In fact, Lexie met her boyfriend through the show. But all four insist it doesn’t bother them to see their other half locking lips with someone else.

“We all have to make out with other people, but it’s okay,” said Lexie, 20, of Stanwix i9n Carlisle .

Michael, 21, of Currock, Carlisle, added: “In the play we start off in our real couples but don’t get on. Whatever James and Lexie do, we get to do after them – so we can always top it.”

The musical comedy, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1992, is based on a love story.

“Boy meets girl and falls in love but it’s not returned because he’s come to close down her theatre, so he has to undergo a series of farces in his quest for the girl,” said James, 21, of Carlisle’s Caldewgate.

A cast of 35 in the society has been rehearsing since January at St Cuthbert’s Church and will perform at the Sands Centre later this month. The baddies are played by freelance writer Michael and performing arts student Lisa, who are loving the chance to do all the things they can’t get away with in real life.

Lisa, 20, of Caldewgate, said: “I spend the whole time with my little man on a string.”

Michael said: “It’s great, I get to shout and stomp.”

He is busy writing this year’s Green Room Christmas pantomime, Red Riding Hood.

Both also took part in Annie last year, when in their own words they looked like “a 1920s flapper and a gay cowboy”.

“It’s what we got into the business for – to have everyone pointing and mocking,” said Michael.

Carlisle Musical Society celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.

Crazy For You will be the last production for musical director Janice Jackson, who is stepping down after 28 years.

It will run at the Sands Centre, Carlisle, from April 11 to 13. Tickets are priced £10 or £9.