REMEMBER those school lessons in which an over-enthusiastic teacher would encourage you to bash away at a dustbin lid, some empty beer bottles and a couple of feet of perished rubber tubing in the hope of producing an exciting new aural experience?

In most cases, the results were best forgotten. But the members of Trash have a slightly more sophisticated "improvised" sound which will be filling the Mayflower later this month - they have taken this Blue Peter-ish approach to its logical conclusion.

Using everyday objects such as cement mixers, tin cans, hard hats and, of course, dustbins, the ten dancers and percussionists who make up the acclaimed group create an extraordinary sound and spectacle they describe as "rhythm at work".

The natural successors to groups such as Gumboots, Tap Dogs and Stomp, Trash offer far more than just a musical experience.

On top of their explosive percussion effects, they promise dance, audience participation and a healthy dose of humour in a show that takes itself far less seriously than you might imagine.

The show features a "building site" set complete with mountainous walls of scaffolding.

Highlight of the show is the spectacular meeting of two rhythmic approaches - percussion and tap dance.

Trash is at the Mayflower in Southampton from January 29 to February 3.

For tickets and information, call the box office on 023 8071 1811.

* The Daily Echo has joined forces with the Mayflower to give away four pairs of tickets for the opening night performance of Trash, on January 29 at 7.30pm.

To be in with a chance of winning a set of tickets, just answer the following question.

How many dancers and percussionists are featured in Trash?

Send your answer, with your name, address and daytime phone number, to: Trash Competition, c/o Andrew White, Southern Daily Echo, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton S016 9JX, to arrive by Thursday.