THEATREGOERS will be forgiven for taking a second glance when they attend a 100th anniversary party.

Rino Pepi, who founded Darlington Civic Theatre on September 2, 1907, will greet guests at the theatre's birthday.

The theatre's present-day duty manager, Peter Tate, will be dressed as the pioneer.

Other staff are dressing in Edwardian costume for the theatre's anniversary night, on Sunday.

It will include performances from the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra celebrating 100 Years of Music and Variety in Darlington.

Mr Tate said: "I already walk in his footsteps. He was a great man. We wouldn't be here but for him and the first 20 years that he ran the place."

Mr Pepi's ghost is said to haunt the theatre.

Mr Tate added: "We believe there are a number of spirits here. Mr Pepi died on the day of his biggest theatrical coup.

"On the morning he couldn't keep going any longer. He was taken home and died during the performance, so he never got to see Anna Pavlova perform.

"He had a great affinity for the theatre and his spirit is still here."

Tickets cost £19 and £21 for the anniversary performance, which starts at 7.30pm. For more details, call 01325-486555.