THE true story of a group of extraordinary North-East women is being brought to life at a North-East theatre.

The Dolly Mixtures is a new musical about eight women who set-up a variety act when one of their husbands' was diagnosed with cancer – later going on to raise £100,000.

It is written by the award-winning team of playwright and poet Tom Kelly and music star John Miles, who were behind hit shows Tom & Catherine, The Machine Gunners and Dan Dare at the arts venue.

It will be playing at The Customs House in South Shields, South Tyneside, this month.

Customs House executive director Ray Spencer, who will also direct The Dolly Mixtures, said: “They overcame amorous committee men, transport troubles and difficult audiences to raise £100,000 across the North East for Cancer Research.

“These women really were the North-East’s very own Calendar Girls and we’re thrilled to tell their story.”

The women formed an unbreakable bond - touring the male dominated social clubs of the North-East in the 1970s and 1980s, breaking down barriers and raising smiles, eyebrows and £100,000 along the way.

Margaret Fleck, whose husband Ken was diagnosed with cancer at the age of just 32, said: “It’s a bit of an accolade to have this musical written about us. Back then we didn’t seek any press now this is strange to be happening so many years later.”

The Dolly Mixtures runs from Wednesday, August 24 to Saturday, September 3. Tickets are priced from £15. For more information or to book tickets, go to www.customshouse.co.uk or call the box office on 0191-454-1234.