YOUNGSTERS are gearing up to take part in the first Christmas play at Durham's Gala Theatre.

The Christmas Cat and the Pudding Pirates, a colourful Christmas tale with a difference, opens at the theatre on Monday.

Set aboard the good ship Santa Claus, the Christmas Cat battles against Jolly Roger and his scurvy band, and includes songs, music and audience participation, as children are encouraged to shout and join in as much as they want to help the Christmas Cat towards victory.

Over the next few days, the cast of children from across the region and adults are adding the finishing touches to the show.

It will run until Saturday, December 21, and be performed in conjunction with the more traditional Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol, which opens on Tuesday, December 10, and runs until December 28.

For ticket details, ring the box office on 0191-332 4041.