LEGENDARY choreographer Jean Newlove has returned to Ormesby Hall, where she lived during the 1940s, which is credited as playing a leading role in the birth of modern British theatre.

As well as visiting the 18th century mansion in Middlesbrough she gave a public talk at Teesside University and is leading a workshop for its dance and performing arts students.

Now in her 90s, she is also in the region to celebrate the centenary of Joan Littlewood’s birth, who is the founder of Theatre Workshop which began as a touring company in the North of England in 1945.

Ms Littlewood and husband Ewan MacColl ended up living at Ormesby Hall at the invitation of Colonel Jim and Ruth Pennyman. As choreographer to the pioneering group, Ms Newlove who now lives in France, spent time at the hall between 1946 and 1948.

In a career spanning 72 years she has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and taken masterclasses for RADA and Bristol Old Vic drama schools.

Ms Newlove also became the second wife of Mr MacColl and mother to singer, Kirsty MacColl, who was killed in a speedboat accident, in Mexico almost 14 years ago.

Liz Hayward, Learning and Access Manager at Ormesby Hall, said: “There are a lot of stories about the things the Theatre Workshop got up to when they were here including almost rescuing a lion cub from a circus and getting Colonel Jim to clean out a stable for it.”