A MUST-SEE comedy drama - set in Darlington - is set to storm top North East stages in September after its world premiere at the 1,000-seat Darlington Hippodrome.

The Great Joe Wilson is a play with music about (arguably) the greatest-ever North East singer/songwriter. Wilson's dramatic life will be told using his tremendous music, which covers everything from lost love through to hard-hitting songs condemning domestic violence and supporting striking workers.

Hippodrome bosses have called on the services of top comedy playwright Ed Waugh (co-writer Alf Ramsay Knew My Grandfather, Dirty Dusting, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Durham) with musical input by the late lamented Alex Glasgow and internationally renowned Pete Scott, who has toured with the likes of Lindisfarne, Ralph McTell and Judie Tzuke.

The Great Joe Wilson is set to continue the successes of Ed's recent solo-penned hits Hadaway Harry (London and Newcastle Theatre Royal) and Mr Corvan's Music Hall, which toured the region to much acclaim last year.

Wilson died in 1875, aged only 33, but during his brief life wrote 360 songs, many of which are still popular today: The Unthanks recorded Gallowgate Lad in 2011, Keep Your Feet Still, Geordie Hinny has been covered dozens of times and Sally Wheatley is a staple throughout UK folk clubs.

Darlington Hippodrome director Lynda Winstanley said: "The show will be as funny as it is tragic. Joe Wilson, a precursor to Alan Hull, is comparable to classic Dylan.

"Joe played Darlington regularly at the Theatre Royal Music Hall in Northgate and is credited with bringing his type of singer/songwriter entertainment to Darlington. Reports of Joe's appearances say the hall was "crowded to capacity" and he received "thunderous applause"."

Lynda added: "The Great Joe Wilson is part of our re-launch celebrations and is set in Darlington as a group of singers in the present time prepare for a celebratory Joe Wilson Night at the Hippodrome itself!

"The script is very funny and we have attracted top North East actors Micky Cochrane, Sarah Boulter and the multi-award winning Jamie Brown. Musician Jordan Miller, who has just finished a European tour with top North East band The Lake Poets, completes the top-class quartet."