1916: No Turning Back: Durham Gala Theatre

THIS trip really is a leap into the unknown. The walk-through experience is not a typical theatre production but involves actors leading visitors through a series of tableaux based on the Battle of the Somme.

Directed by the North-East's Neil Armstrong, it attempts to immerse visitors in the sights, sounds and smells of the trenches while actors bring the human stories of one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War to life.

The story of the battle is told from the perspective of Second Lieutenant Simon Taylor, from his initial enthusiasm and pride to have signed up to a Pals battalion, on a sunny day in Durham Market Place, through training at Cocken Hall, in Finchale, to the front line and going over the top.

Visitors also hear from a nurse stationed near the frontline and a young woman at home in County Durham. The sets, which replace the seats in the auditorium, are atmospheric and well-created while both Lawrence Neale and Anna Nicholson made compelling performances, bringing real emotion to all the characters they played and despite the short scenes they played, managing to draw the audience in. The roles will be shared with Luke Maddison and Samantha Neale.

n The experience runs until Sunday, August 28. Tickets: £6.50 to £7.50. Gala Theatre box office: 03000-266600 or galadurham.co.uk

Rachel Connor