DURHAM drama students have been given the chance to stamp their mark on a specially commissioned work.

Youngsters on the performing arts national diploma course at New College Durham are not just learning the lines of Peter Straughan's Dysmorphia.

They have been helping the professional playwright develop the work they will perform from tonight until Saturday.

Dysmorphia is based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and puts Greek theatre in a 21st Century setting.

Mr Straughan, who has written for stage and radio, said: "It's tremendous to work with the students as the script develops."

The production, part of the Durham Literature Show, will be staged in the drama studio at the college's Framwellgate Moor Campus, at 8pm each night.

Tickets cost £3.50 (concessions £2.50) and are available by ringing 0191-375 4341