A THEATRE company has raised £1,000 for the tsunami disaster relief fund by holding a benefit night.

The first performance of Theatre Cap-a-Pie's new production, Oh, I Do Like To Be, was followed by entertainment and an art auction.

Proceeds from ticket sales and the auction of artworks donated by the cast, staff and friends of the theatre company, in Dipton, County Durham, will go to help people affected by the disaster.

Anne Bromley, of Cap-a-Pie, said: "The piece was written after the recent airing of a television documentary, which reflected on the experiences of people affected by the 1953 hurricane, which caused widespread flooding along the East coast.

"Little did we realise the resonance that the piece would take on given the tragic events in the Indian Ocean and the flooding that has ravaged the North-West over the past few weeks."

Oh, I Do Like To Be is playing at The Store, in Dipton, tonight, and February 17, 18 and 19, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £7, and £4 concessions, and are available by calling (01207) 571177.

Published: 04/02/2005