AN OPEN-air performance is set to take over Darlington town centre as the Market Square plays host to a grand summertime theatrical ball.

The street production will be showcased on a stage set up in the heart of the square as part of ambitious plans to raise Darlington’s profile as a theatre town.

The cast of The Ball will tell a story of greed, power and family before audience members are invited to join an after party involving “dancing and grandeur” later this month.

The Darlington Theatre Town initiative is being launched by Creative Darlington, Darlington Hippodrome, Luxi, Theatre Hullabaloo and Odd Man Out.

Stephen Wiper, manager of Creative Darlington, said: “This production builds on the strengths of the town, and the market place is the perfect setting for the piece.

“As a bustling hub of activity for meeting, exchanging ideas and having debate – it portrays exactly what the theatre itself does.”

The Ball is produced by the Wet Picnic ensemble that have previously performed at the Stockton International Riverside Festival and regularly perform theatrics in open spaces.

Judy Barrington-Smuts, associate artistic director, said: “Street performance has the capacity to bring the magic of theatre to anybody who wants to watch it.

“It breaks social boundaries and brings all walks of life together to engage in a shared experience.

“We are particularly excited to be coming to Darlington as it’s such an innovative place for theatre to grow right now.”

The show will begin at 9.30pm on Saturday, August 26.