A COMMUNITY theatre group will be swapping nuns' habits for cans of hairspray and is looking for specific performers to help make the transition.

Darlington Operatic Society are days away from the opening night of Sister Act at Darlington Civic Theatre, but is already deep into the planning stages of its spring 2015 production - Hairspray.

Producers are looking for several talented black performers to ensure the show is as authentic as possible.

Society chairman Julian Cound said: “Hairspray has so many moral messages behind all the fabulous songs.

"We are talking Baltimore in the US emerging from the 1950s and entering the swinging sixties kicking and screaming with undertones of bigotry, poor body image, snobbery and racism.”

“There are some fabulous roles for black performers in the show, plus we are looking for a number of singers and dancers for the company too.

“We are fortunate to have a number of great black performers within our current membership but Hairspray is such a wonderful opportunity for more people to get involved, find the thrill of theatre and hopefully stay with us long into the future.

"We are looking for black performers aged 16 and over to come and be a part of what will be a fantastic sell-out production.”

New member auditions are being held on Tuesday, November 4.

Anyone interested in joining the company can complete an application form on the society's website.

Tickets are still available for Sister Act – although only restricted view for some performances.

The show runs from Wednesday (October 22) to Saturday, November 1, with a 2pm matinee on Saturday.

Tickets are £19 for adults and £14 for children aged 14 and under.

Call the ticket hotline on 01325-244659 or book online at darlingtonos.org.uk