FRESH blood is required for a North-East theatre production of the horror story Dracula.

The stage show of Bram Stoker's classic, adapted for the stage by Scottish playwright Liz Lochhead, will be performed at Sunderland's Royalty Theatre next year.

Auditions for Dracula! and other shows will be this Friday.

The open session will take place at the theatre to help find actors for the busy line-up of shows from January onwards.

No previous experience is needed, but anyone attending the auditions must be 18 or over.

Under-18s will be advised to join the company's youth theatre, the Northern Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Artistic director Frank Ditchburn said: "It seems appropriate to be looking for new blood when we have a production of Dracula! only a few months away.

"As always, we are not necessarily looking for people who are the finished article. We are after those showing a spark of talent, the 'X'-factor if you like.

"There are various parts uncast as yet in the remaining shows this season, and this is a chance for newcomers to shine."

Auditions start at 7.30pm at the theatre, in The Royalty, between Chester Road and Durham Road, near The Royalty pub. Those taking part will have to perform improvised and scripted material, but do not have to rehearse in advance.

People willing to help backstage are also welcome, and will be given a theatre tour.

Other shows in the season include Night Mother, a tense US drama, to be staged at the end of January, Willy Russell's Scouse comedy Breezeblock Park, scheduled for March, Shelagh Stephenson's modern mystery, An Experiment with an Air Pump, in May, and Dracula! in June.

The Royalty can be contacted on 0191-565 7945.

Published: 09/11/2004