BARNARD Castle based theatre group, The Castle Players, is creating an opportunity for a new director to work with the company this autumn.

In previous years the new director scheme has seen productions of the First World War drama, Journey’s End, and last year, the one act play by Peter Shaffer, Black Comedy.

This year’s director is Laura Shaw who moved to Barnard Castle two years ago. Since then she has acted in three productions with The Castle Players. A lifelong enthusiasm for dance led to her working part-time as both a dance teacher and choreographer in Surrey. She is now the office administrator for The Witham Arts Centre in Barnard Castle.

For her directing debut, Ms Shaw has chosen Terence Rattigan’s wartime drama, Flare Path, which was originally produced in London in 1942. Its American production in 1943 provided the Broadway debut for a young Alec Guinness.

The play takes place in a hotel in Lincolnshire and centres around a group of RAF personnel who will soon be involved in a nighttime bombing mission.

“I have chosen Flare Path because it is such a touching and understated piece,” said Ms Shaw. “It will suit The Castle Players perfectly, and will be particularly poignant as we will be performing it, not only at the Remembrance weekend, but also in the centenary year of the RAF”.

Asked if she felt daunted by the task she said: “Throughout the production I am being supported by a mentor, Jill Cole, a long-standing member of The Castle Players who is providing invaluable advice and guidance. In addition, of course, there’s the extended family of The Castle Players who are all there to help get the show on-the-road.”

Flare Path will be performed at the Witham, Barnard Castle on November 9 and 10. For tickets visit thewitham.org.uk, call 01833-631107 or visit The Witham in person.