A larger-than-life ballet group which is visiting Epsom has been forced to lower its minimum weight requirement thanks to a lack of rotund applicants.

The alternative Russian ballet company, The Big Ballet, has had to reduce its weight threshold from 15 to 17 stone for the first time in its 16-year history.

They are due to appear at Epsom Playhouse on March 8 in a UK tour comprising of 39 dates.

The Big Ballet AUK tour producer, Alexej Ignatow, said: "While many of the original dancers are retained for the forthcoming tour, open auditions regularly take place in Russia; events which were initially so heavily oversubscribed with potential dancers weighing the original required minimum of 15-Stone, that the level was actually raised to 17-Stone.

"However, the number of hopefuls weighing 17 Stone has dropped significantly in the past two years, coinciding with sustained global campaigns for healthier eating, perhaps most notably spearheaded by celebrity chiefs such as Jamie Oliver."

Made up of 16 female dancers, The Big Ballet has toured the UK twice before, in 2007 and 2008, at a time when the average weight of the dancers stood at a fraction under 20 stone.

The minimum weight of 17 stone was so strict, a principal dancer with the show, Tatyana Gladkih, was even temporarily excluded from participating in pre-tour training sessions after dropping beneath the minimum requirement in 2008.

The Big Ballet was established by top Russian choreographer, Panfilov, in a bid to challenge social standards the ballet world.

Dijon Elements, publicist for The Big Ballet AUK tours, added: "It should be remembered that the returning dancers continue to retain their weight despite vigorous fitness training and rehearsal sessions.

"The longer-standing members of the troupe have always maintained they eat as healthily as the average-sized person."

To book tickets, contact the box office on 01372 742555 or, for more details, visit www.amande-concerts.co.uk.