The top theatre in Leicester is facing a strike that could force the cancellation of its most popular show.

Engineers, wardrobe staff and box office workers at the Haymarket Theatre have voted in favour of strike action.

The Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (Bectu) claims that some of its workers are living in poverty.

The union is planning industrial action for October 9,12 and 13, and if the strike goes ahead some performances of the sold-out musical Hot Stuff may have to be cancelled.

'Hugely popular'

But Haymarket managers say they cannot afford more than a 2% pay increase.

Union spokesman Willy Donohay said: "Talks have been on-going for a number of years and are now exhausted.

If we are forced to cancel we will offer patrons a full refund

Mandy Stewart Haymarket Theatre

"We want a 60p an hour increase across the board for all staff.

We want the theatre to understand that we feel very strongly about this issue.

Haymarket Theatre spokeswoman Mandy Stewart said Hot Stuff is "hugely popular and has a very loyal following".

"If we are forced to cancel we will offer patrons a full refund."

She said the union's pay claim, which totals �200,000, is totally unaffordable.

The theatre board has offered three times to go to arbitration, but the union has refused, she said.