THE group transforming a former Edwardian fire station into a dedicated theatre for children says it will be the only specialist theatre of its type north of London.

Theatre Hullabaloo said this year’s World Day of Theatre for Children had resonance as the build progresses for the new flagship theatre for youngsters, which will open later this year next to the town’s Civic Theatre.

Laura Case, development director for Theatre Hullabaloo, said: “We are in the process of transforming the former Edwardian Fire Station on Borough Road in Darlington into a dedicated theatre for young audiences.

“The venue will be of national significance as a National Centre in Theatre for Young Audiences and will be the only specialist theatre of its type north of London. It will become one of the UK’s leading centres for theatre for young children as well as a dynamic hub for artists, educators and researchers interested in the role of arts in childhood.”

The global campaign invites artists, companies, theatres, and the public to give children and young people access to the theatre on this day, or at any point through the year.

Miranda Thain, Creative Producer at Theatre Hullabaloo, said: “Theatre is the act of coming together to tell stories. We create work which puts the young person at the heart of the creative process. Our work is driven by the belief that young audiences have an entitlement to theatre of the highest quality.

“We are proud to not only support World Day of Theatre for Children but to bring brilliant theatre experiences to children and their families all year round.”