AMATEUR thespians are invited to audition for this year's performance of Shakespeare in the Park in Darlington. This year, A Midsummer Night's Dream has been chosen and it will be staged in June at South Park. Readings will be held at the Voodoo Cafe on Skinnergate from 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24. All age groups and talents welcome, especially youngsters over the age of 16 and people with technical expertise.

LIVE MUSIC: On The Rocks will perform at the Quakerhouse, in Mechanics Yard, Darlington, on Wednesday (February 13). Entry is free before 8pm and £4 after that time. Bands play at the venue every Wednesday evening. Out After Dark will be on stage on February 20, with The Switch playing on February 27. For more information, call 07783-960105 or email info@quakerhouse.co.uk

CHURCH SERVICES: A spoken Holy Communion will be held at All Saints’ Church, in Blackwell, at 8.30am, on Sunday (February 10). It will be followed by a sung parish communion at 10.30am and evening worship at 6.30pm

EASTER FUN: Children of primary school age are invited to take part in Easter activities and drama, at All Saints’ Church and Millennium Centre, in Blackwell, at 10.30am on the following Sundays: February 24, March 3, 17 and 24. The sessions, which take place during the regular Holy Communion services, cost £1 each and include drama, woodwork and painting. For more information, call the parish office, on 01325-469891.

MEETING TIME: The next meeting of Darlington Retired Teachers’ Association will be held on Wednesday (February 13), at 2pm, in the Harroway Room, at Elm Ridge Methodist Church. Jo Jones will give a presentation entitled ‘Holy Wars, Phase Two’. Visitors and new members are welcome to join. For more information, call 01325-353367.

PRAYER DAY: A service marking the Women’s World day of prayer will be held at the United Reformed Church, in Northgate, at 2pm, on Friday, March 1. It will be led by the Reverend Sue Chew. There will also be a service at Haughton Methodist Church, at 7pm.