Darlington - Stage set for young actors

Members of the Back From The Brink Theatre Group have been inundated with inquiries from youngsters who are eager to act.

After discovering that there was a gap in theatre provision for children in the town the group has decided to set up its own company.

It will be based at North Road School, the former home of Darlington Youth Theatre which had its headquarters there 30 years ago.

In the future if the group is successful it hopes to find its own building where it can stage productions.

Vic Hutchens, of Back From The Brink, said: "When I started acting 30 years ago it was in conjunction with Darlington Youth Theatre in North Road School.

"It now seems apt to go back there. There is not much in the way of drama for children in the town.

"We have taken some of the children from the junior school interested in drama and we will be taking on more over the next couple of years and hope to develop the youth theatre.

"I think there is a real need for it in Darlington. Everybody is so enthusiastic about it. I have spoken to the National Association of Youth Theatre and they think it is a great idea.

"Drama is important. It gives children a lot of self-esteem, it boosts their confidence and is very enjoyable."

Initially the youth theatre will cater for 14-year-olds but they are hoping to expand into other age groups to meet demand.

They also hope to set up a bullying initiative with children acting out role play and performing it at schools across the town.

"The issue of bullying comes up quite frequently," said Vic.

"Kids would explore what it feels like to be a victim and a bully and it would be good if we could perform it to other schoolchildren."

Back From The Brink Theatre Group will be staging their latest production, Simple Simon, at North Road primary school, St Paul's Terrace, on January 12, 14 and 15 at 6.30pm.

Tickets are priced £2.50 and children £1. Anyone interested in joining the group should contact Vic on (01325) 264934