TALENTED young actors will take on the explosive world of boxing and some of the most popular show tunes in history as they kickstart a diverse and action-packed year.

The Gala Theatre Stage School (GTSS) is busy preparing for a series of performances, which will bring pioneering new plays and musical favourites to the Durham venue.

In February, the performers will explore the excitement of the boxing ring in Beautiful Burnout by Bryony Lavery.

This thrilling piece of highly physical theatre follows the up-and-coming young boxer Cameron as he sets out to make his name by fighting for his club, his mother and his place in the world.

As well performing at the Gala Theatre on Wednesday, February 5, GTSS will also take the production to Peterlee Boxing Academy on Thursday, February 13.

Both performances start at 7.30pm and tickets cost £8.

On Saturday, February 8, the annual Sharings will give theatre fans the chance to see the culmination of GTSS’s work over the last semester.

This term’s performance is inspired by the Gala Theatre’s recent production of Lord of the Flies and audiences can expect to see stories of friendship and power.

These stories have been created by the young people, with direction and support from GTSS’s team of professional actors and theatre makers.

Performances by members of the tots and foundation group take place at 11am, juniors are at 2pm and seniors at 5pm and tickets cost £4.

Musical theatre fans, meanwhile, will not want to miss The Cabaret Café on Sunday, February 9 at 7pm.

Audience members will be seated cabaret-style.

Tickets cost £6.