Two options on the table are that the society becomes a pantomime-only performer or that it is disbanded.

But spokesman Pauline Calvert said others could be considered at the meeting, which is the second extraordinary meeting to be called by the society within two years.

The first resulted in a re-structuring and change of name. The group was previously called Malton and Norton Operatic Society.

But Mrs Calvert said while the society had moved on it was now experiencing fresh problems including:

l the number of members able to take part in productions

l securing a producer/director for a musical production

l insufficient free time for existing committee members to run so many shows and events

l the lease of the parish rooms where the group rehearses runs out next year

Mrs Calvert said: "We had similar problems two years ago but at that time we decided to try and keep going and provide what members wanted.

"But we've got a lack of performing people. Our members are getting older, and while they love to sing, performing is tiring.

"The committee is prepared to carry on as a pantomime society because we can always cast a panto, it's just other shows we have problems with."

The lease on the parish rooms was an additional headache, she said. While it could be renewed the property is old and needs a lot of maintenance work.

The crunch meeting is being held in the Parish Rooms on Monday June 2 at 7.30pm and all past and present members are being urged to attend and have their say, added Mrs Calvert.

Meanwhile the society is gearing up for its next production, a music hall, at the Milton Rooms, Malton, on Friday and Saturday May 23 and 24.

It is only the third time the society has produced a music hall-type show, and tickets are available from Malton Tourist Information Centre and on the door priced at £6.50.