THE Customs House has linked up with Tyneside production company Cloud Nine for a three-year writing partnership that gives hopeful writers the chance to shine.

Director Jackie Fielding is always worth checking out, and she puts her stamp of quality on Unreal, which comprises three one-act plays from aspiring Northern writers.

There’s such promise here we could easily be witnessing tomorrow’s theatrical big hitters.

First up was Alison Carr’s contribution, Second Most Disappointing. Having seen another piece by Carr a few weeks ago, it’s obvious she has talent in abundance. Set at the foot of The Angel of the North, during a bickering stepfather and daughter’s day out, it is a surreal story that provides plenty of laughs and a life lesson that will resonate with many.

Double Nuts, by Louise Gallagher, is located in a mental health institute where a patient plans her escape.

Again, there is a lovely twist to this sombre romantic tale.

Joe McLaughlin makes his profession writing debut here and Mind Games is a dark piece that takes place in a gents’ toilet during an engagement party. An unexpected guest turns up (Chris Connel) to haunt the fiance (Louis Roberts).

Connel features in all three plays but it is Mind Games in particular where we see what an exceptional actor he is.

While a consummate comedy performer, his dark side is superb and he brings Roberts’ talents out accordingly.

Tracy Gillman and Christina Berriman Dawson complete the quartet of actors who make this a cracking night out.

Unreal runs until tonight.

Performances are at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and tickets cost £10 from the box office on 0191-454-1234.

Ed Waugh