AN amateur drama group that has launched the careers of a number of professional actors is preparing for the curtain to go up on its annual summer performance.

Green Theatre, which produces Shakespeare plays in Darlington's South Park every summer, is staging the comedy Merry Wives of Windsor from July 2 to 5.

The group started eight years ago, with a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

It now has a hardcore membership of about 12 members who either act in productions or help out back stage, as well as a revolving cast of volunteers performing a variety of roles both on and off stage.

Founding member Jolyon Potter said: "We work very closely with the Applause young persons theatre group, which has often supplied the young people we need to do the shows.

"Our group has proved attractive to youngsters hoping to go into the theatre industry and we have had some success stories."

Manchester-born, Darlington-raised actor Peter McGovern played the lead in Green Theatre's production of Hamlet, before being accepted by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Mr Potter added: "Quite a few young actors have been with us before going on to drama school."

Performances of Merry Wives of Windsor will be held in the bandstand at South Park at 7pm on July 2, 3 and 4, and 3pm on July 5.

Audience members are encouraged to take their picnics and folding chairs or blankets.

Tickets cost £7, £5 concession and £20 for a family of four, and are available from Darlington Civic Theatre box office on 01325-486555.