FRESH blood is required for a North-East theatre production of the horror story Dracula!

The stage show of Bram Stoker's classic, adapted for the stage by Scottish playwright Liz Lochhead, is being performed at Sunderland's Royalty Theatre next year.

But auditions for Dracula! and other forthcoming productions will be held this Friday.

The open session is taking place at the theatre to help to build up a pool of talent for possible casting for the busy line up of shows from January onwards.

No previous experience is needed but anyone attending the auditions must be aged 18 or over.

Any hopefuls under-18 will be advised to join the company's youth theatre, NADA, the Northern Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Artistic director Frank Ditchburn said: "It seems appropriate to be looking for new blood when we have a production of Dracula! only a few months away.

"As always, we're not necessarily looking for people who are the finished article. We're after those showing a spark of talent ... the 'x'-factor if you like.

"There are various parts uncast as yet in the remaining shows this season, and this is a chance for newcomers to shine."

Auditions start at 7.30pm, at the theatre, in The Royalty (CORRECT, STREET NAME), between Chester Road and Durham Road, near the Royalty pub.

Anyone taking part will be expected to perform both improvised and scripted material, but do not have to rehearse anything in advance.

Potential back-stage helpers, willing to help out with costumes, make-up or props, is also welcome, and will be given a tour of the facilities.

Other shows in the rest of the Royalty season include Night Mother, a tense American drama, to be staged at the end of January, Willy Russell's Scouse comedy Breezeblock Park, scheduled for March, Shelagh Stephenson's modern mystery, An Experiment with an Air Pump, in May, and Dracula!, next June.

Further information on the auditions, back-stage assistance or show bookings can be made by ringing the Royalty box office number 0191-565 7945.