LEFT-WING comedian Mark Steel is one of the stars which new management at The Arc hope will turn the Stockton theatre's fortunes around.

The newly reopened Arc arts centre, built with £9.5m of National Lottery cash, closed down last year after incurring massive debts.

Now a new management team hopes that a more community-based arts programme and acts such as Mark Steel will prove a success.

The theatre opens its doors this weekend. Mark Steel will perform on Saturday, October 25 from 8pm. Tickets are £10 (£9 concessions).