PEOPLE in the North can see Kenneth Branagh's new play before it opens in London's West End.

He was in the region this week to launch Ducktastic -a play featuring a down-on-his-luck magician, his assistant and a special duck called Daphne.

Director Branagh is working with actors Hamish McColl and Sean Foley, who starred in his last work, The Play What I Wrote.

Ducktastic is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from September 2 to 17.

It is the story of the opening night of a new show that will rescue the magician's career.

Branagh said: "I promise you some of the illusions have never been done before.

"We are working with a brilliant magic consultant who, appropriately enough, has the name Simon Drake. We feel that is a good omen."

He said the play will feature showgirls, fireworks, dancing waterfalls, an erupting volcano and death-defying feats.

He said: "There is also a proper story with characters that we care about.

"We have been working so hard on it because we know that in two weeks' time we start rehearsing the exciting and variable elements of the show, which are the illusions - and Daphne. We imagine she will be unpredictable, and every night could be different."

Tickets are from £8 to £22.50, available on 0870 905 5060.

Published: 01/07/2005