THE cast of a play set in 1930s Newcastle have been visiting Beamish Museum to soak up the atmosphere.

The cast of My Uncle Freddie, which is being performed at The Customs House in South Shields, from July 17-21.

The Radio 4 classic, which was originally recorded at Beamish, has been adapted for the stage by Jarrow writer Alex Ferguson.

Set in 1930s Jarrow, it follows the adventures of 10-year-old Lecky, played by Andew Finnigan,and his family, including his imaginative Uncle Freddie, played by Chris Conell.

The play, which celebrates the human spirit, humour and community of the North-East, also stars Georgia Nicholson, Paul Dunn and Jill Dellow.

The cast visited Beamish to take part in a photoshoot for the production.

Director Gareth Hunter said: “We chose Beamish because My Uncle Freddie was originally recorded in one of the cottages in The Pit Village, so it was taking it back to where it all started.”

Tickets for My Uncle Freddie are priced from £15 and available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk. Performances start at 7.30pm, witha 2.30pm matinee on Thursday and Saturday.