A NEWLY-BUILT children's theatre will bring productions "from around the world to Darlington", it was last night claimed.

The Hullabaloo, a new £2.7m venue specially designed for young people and funded by Arts Council England and Darlington Borough Council, will open its doors for the first time today.

The contemporary theatre has been created within an Edwardian Fire Station on a site adjacent to the newly opened Darlington Hippodrome, and is the only specialist venue of its type outside London.

Speaking during the theatre's official opening yesterday, Miranda Thain Theatre Hullabaloo’s creative producer, said: “It is a really special place – once Christmas is over, we have great packed programme of events lined up.

“It is a difficult time for the council, but together we have created something that will bring theatre from around the world to Darlington."

The new venue includes a 150-seat studio theatre, creative play installation space, family café area, rehearsal studio and external play space.

Pupils of The Rydal Academy in Darlington helped to open the venue yesterday, with its first performance - Bear and Butterfly - running until December 31.

Ms Thain added: “The arts and creativity have a fundamental role to play in the growth and development of children and their understanding of an increasingly complicated world.

"The Hullabaloo will be a great asset, not only to Darlington but the wider region, and the whole of the UK too, a beacon for the value of that precious place in childhood where you have room to dream and imagine.”

Bill Dixon, Darlington Borough Council leader, described the opening of the Darlington Hippodrome last month as the "best thing" to ever happen the town, and said today's unveiling was also "phenomenal".

“It is fantastic – we have kept the commitment we made six years ago.

“Following the sale of the arts centre, we wanted a venue for culture and it is great that it has gone into something for young people.

“Most politicians are known for going back on what they said – we have kept our word.

“This is the first venue of its kind outside of London and it is in Darlington – it is phenomenal."

Darren Henley, chairman of Arts Council England, said: “It is brilliant resource for the people of Darlington to have on their doorsteps.

“It will attract theatre from all around the world – what a great environment for the people of Darlington to grow up in.

"It is a wonderful space where children can play, learn, be creative and watch performances especially for them."

Lynda Winstanley, director of the Darlington Hippodrome, said: “”It is a great day for Darlington – I am absolutely delighted

“The design is superb and it complements the Hippodrome really well."

For information or to buy tickets, called 01325 405405 or visit theatrehullabaloo.org.uk.