A MARKET town's sports hall was transformed into a professional theatre for the first leg of the Royal Shakespeare Company's international tour.

Five articulated lorries carrying more than 50 tonnes of lighting, sound and stage equipment arrived in Northallerton and a 510-seat mobile auditorium was built.

Britain's leading theatre company performed last week at the Hambleton Leisure Centre and everything from the lighting rig, seating, washing machine and costumes were stored in the sports hall

Richard Clayton, RSC company manager said: "About 13 leisure centre staff worked alongside our technical crew and stage management team. With this being the first venue on the tour it took a little bit longer to set it all up as we always encounter some teething problems."