A restaurant that will bring West End style to North-East diners will open next month.

The Theatre Restaurant, in Sunderland, will give customers the chance to have a three-course meal while enjoying a Broadway show.

The restaurant, in Sunniside, is being launched by father-and-daughter team Ray and Andrea Holmes.

Ms Holmes, 42, from Houghton-Le-Spring, Wearside, has worked in theatre production for more than 20 years and runs a theatre group for youngsters at the Royalty Theatre, in Sunderland.

She said: "It's something I have always dreamed of doing. I'm really passionate about bringing arts into Sunderland and giving artists a chance to really practise their trade.

"It was a big investment and so it was important we chose the right area.

"Sunniside was perfect as it is undergoing such a huge transformation at the moment and is really starting to become a lively cultural quarter."

Simply Musicals will be the opening show when the restaurant launches next month.

Productions will change every six weeks and include Oklahoma! and It's A Wonderful Life.

Ms Holmes said: "We held auditions earlier in the year and now have an excellent cast of semi-professionals and professionals, aged from 17 up to 42.

"Each show will have a menu to fit the theme and eventually we plan to put on family shows in the holidays."

Councillor Bob Symonds, chairman of Sunniside Partnership, which was established in 2003 to oversee the regeneration of the area, has welcomed the restaurant's forthcoming arrival.

"The Theatre Restaurant is an exciting addition to Sunniside and will complement the growing artistic and cultural presence, as well as add to the high-quality dining offered in the area. We wish them every success."

For more information on the Theatre Restaurant, or to book a place for the opening on September 6, call 0191-565-3580.