COLLEGE students are putting the finishing touches to their performance of Jesus Christ Superstar which starts next week.

After weeks in rehearsals, more than 50 performing arts students from Stockton Riverside College are to bring the Arc back to life with their production of the performance, which includes a ten-piece orchestra.

Mike McGrother, director of education at the Arc who organised the event, said: "We have a very talented and enthusiastic group of young actors here who will benefit enormously from this experience.

"The students feel honoured and excited at the prospect of being the first performers at the Arc after such a long period of closure. This is a huge challenge for all involved with a lot of time and effort spent perfecting the show for the public."

The Arc's auditorium has been transformed with the help of the college's set designer, Stephen Daltrey.

The costumes have been made by Gayle Evans and the Cleveland College of Art and Design.

Kevin Parker, director at Arc, said: "A lot of people have been working very hard for the last few months to get the Arc back on track. We now need people to show their support and come along and see the show."

The production runs from Tuesday until Saturday at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £7 with concessions at £5. Box office (01642) 865400.