THE countdown to the opening a specially designed theatre for young people has hit the 100 day mark.

Theatre Hullabaloo will open to the public on Tuesday, December 12, after an 18-month building programme to transform the Edwardian fire station into a fully functioning theatre.

The ambitious project, next to newly named Darlington Hippodrome, will include a 150-seat studio theatre, creative play installation space, café area, workshop or rehearsal space, dressing rooms, toilets and external play space.

Miranda Thain, creative producer at Theatre Hullabaloo, said: “I can’t believe that this wonderful venue for children and families that we have been dreaming about for so long will soon be a reality. In just 100 days, The Hullabaloo will be welcoming the first children through its doors and becoming that place where their imaginations can run free in a place specially designed for them.

“The Hullabaloo truly is vision-led. We are creating a space that is child-centred, where children are respected as an audience and where brilliant artists make great theatre and great places for them to play. What better way to communicate to children about how important their creative lives are than to build such a special place just for them?”

The theatre, which was created in partnership with Darlington Borough Council with support from Arts Council England, will be the only specialist theatre of its type north of London.

Ms Thain added: “It was a very sad day when the arts centre closed and we all feared for the cultural life of the town, but we had the ambition and tenacity to dream of creating something world-class for future generation and our colleagues in the local authority shared our vision. Our collaboration has resulted in significant additional funds from Arts Council England which has created something really special, a place for imagination, that will benefit the whole of society."

Work began on site in June 2016 for an 18 month build period, alongside the restoration of Darlington Hippodrome.

The first performance will be Bear and Butterfly, a Theatre Hullabaloo production, which is a tale of changing friendship for everyone aged four and above.

For more information visit www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk