ACTRESS Victoria Gibson has launched her latest production which will demonstrate the effects of the Second World War on North-East families.

The 26-year-old, who founded Twenty Seven Productions with Christopher Linton four years ago, is working with the Ouseburn Trust to stage a new

war-themed play in Newcastle’s Victoria Tunnel.

Working under Victoria as a stage name, Katie - the daughter of Middlesbrough FC chairman Steve Gibson - is also a part-time historian and will combine her passion for theatre and history in the production, Hitler’s Headquarters.

It will look at real life in Newcastle during some of the most severe bombings of the conflict, telling the stories of families who were made homeless and forced to take shelter beneath the city.

The Victoria Tunnel is a preserved 19th century wagon-way reaching from the Town Moor to the Tyne and in the 1900s was used to transport coal from

Spital Tongues Colliery to the river.

In 1939 the tunnel was converted into an air raid shelter.

“I lived in Newcastle for a number of years and had never heard of the Victoria Tunnel,” said Ms Gibson.

“I was gobsmacked to see that it’s right in the heart of the city yet nobody knew about it. I thought there would be a great story in there.”

Twenty Seven Productions has been given exclusive access to the tunnel to perform its play, which can only be staged in front of an audience of 25 people at a time.

It will be shown twice a day at 4pm and 7pm for two weeks, running from Monday, September 28 until Sunday, October 11.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £10 for concessions. Booking is

essential via twentysevenproductionsuk.com