GLITTERING period costumes and music came to the region last night as a theatre production began. Carl Rosa's The Merry Widow is being staged at Darlington Civic Theatre until Saturday.

The story is set in the heady champagne days of Paris, in 1912, and features Franz Lehar's love song, Vilja. Evening performances are at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2pm today and at 2.30pm on Saturday. Tickets are £15 to £26.50, available on (01325) 486555. Pictured is Margaret Preece, who is starring in the production.

Published: 01/06/2005