EIGHT budding young actors have begun rehearsing their roles in a forthcoming play.

Members of Arts Spark youth theatre will be involved in the production of To Sir With Love, which is being staged at Darlington Civic Theatre in November.

The show is the story of former RAF fighter pilot Ricky Braithwaite, who becomes a teacher in the East End of London following the end of the Second World War.

The Arts Spark members will play the parts of the school children in Ricky’s class, when the touring show reaches Darlington for its five-night run on November 12.

Although the show is currently on tour, the theatre group members, who will also dance in the production, began rehearsals with associate director Neale Birch, at Hummersknott School, this week.

Made into a major film in 1967 starring Sidney Poitier and featuring the song To Sir With Love, made famous by Lulu, this new stage adaptation is peppered with the songs and dance of the late 1940s, a time of austerity, where love, inspiration and hope win through against all the odds.

RSC Ansu Kabia will play Ricky, one of the lead roles, with Matthew Kelly as inspirational Headteacher Florian.

With recent cut-backs to arts funding within Darlington, the Civic Theatre represents the new hub of artistic creativity for many young people within the town.

Tickets for the show are on sale now. To book, visit darlingtoncivic.co.uk or call 01325-486555.