TODAY the local college drama department hall, tomorrow The National Theatre.

That is the exciting prospect for east Cleveland drama students about to perform the world premiere of a play.

The youngsters, from Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough, are taking part in a national theatre project called Shell Connections.

As their part of the project, the students will perform An Island Far From Here, a play by Laura Ruohonen, at the college drama studio on Saturday night. The play will then transfer to the Theatre Royal, in Newcastle, on Friday, March 28.

Judges will then watch the production as one of a series of 13 plays performed by youth drama groups at regional theatres across the country. If they select the Guisborough students' play as the best, it will transfer to the National Theatre, in London.

Graham Hamlyn, the drama teacher at the college, said: "This is a unique opportunity for students to explore first-hand the experience of working in a professional environment with directors, producers and stage managers, all of which is done under the roof of a professional theatre."

An Island Far From Here tells the story of two sisters who discover that an old lady is living in their basement. She is hiding from her son who is being released from prison on parole.

The play contains humour but also deals with serious issues.