A TOWN was alive with the sound of music when hundreds of children auditioned for a drama group’s upcoming production of the classic family musical.

About 180 children aged five to 15 took part in the pre-auditions for Darlington Operatic Society’s next production, the Sound of Music, which will open at Darlington Civic Theatre in April next year.

Throughout the day the budding thespians were put through their paces and the group will now be narrowed down to just 35 young hopefuls who will go on to the next stage of auditions in January.

Spokesman for the society, Julian Cound, said: “From what I could hear from the auditions today the standard has been really high.

“We have got to not only choose those children who can sing and act well, but those who look the part and are the right size as the children stand in height order, which makes it even tougher."

The Sound of Music opens on Wednesday, April 24 and will run until Saturday, May 4 next year. Tickets are £19 for adults and £14 for children. To book call Darlington Civic Theatre box office on 01325-244659.