ONE of the most-famous and poignant stories of all time reaches a North-East theatre next month.

The Diary of Anne Frank, which plays at Darlington Civic Theatre from Monday, November 6, to Saturday, November 11, features previously-censored material omitted from the original publication by Anne's father.

The diary, first published in 1952, is considered to be one of the single, most important documents of the Second World War and has been translated into 55 languages. It has been dramatised and produced as a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play. It has also won an Oscar.

The play is a dramatisation of Anne Frank's own diaries, which give an account of the years she endured in hiding with family and friends in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam.

The role of Anne is played by 15-year-old newcomer Anne Bedi, who was chosen after auditions by more than 1,000 young hopefuls.

Tickets are priced from £7 to £15.50 (evenings) and £8 (matinees). For more details, telephone the tickets and information office on (01325) 486555.