An all-County Durham cast of actors are taking centre stage in The Watch House, a new adaptation of a novel that celebrates North East history and folklore. 

Set against the backdrop of Tynemouth's coastline, The Watch House - an adaptation of Robert Westall's novel - follows the story of Anne, a young girl left at the coastguard station while her parents sort out their divorce. 

As she grapples with her feelings of loneliness, Anne uncovers a hidden secret within the old Watch House that threatens to change everything. 

With the help of a quirky crew, she embarks on an adventure that explores themes of family, friendship, and the mysteries of the past. 

The play brings northern heritage to the forefront, with Chester-le-Street actors sharing their pride in bringing a distinctly North East story to local stages.

Catherine Dryden, who tackles four roles in the play, says performing a story so close to home is a rare privilege.

She said: “It’s really special to perform in the North, especially in a play set right here.

“Our cast is from Chester-le-Street, and we feel a deep connection to this place. We’ve even started calling ourselves the ‘Chester-le-Street Massive’—it’s incredibly meaningful to bring stories rooted in our community to northern audiences.”

Catherine Dryden in action Catherine Dryden in action (Image: Papatango) Catherine added: "Acting was always the only thing I ever wanted to do. From a young age, I was part of the Chester-le-Street Theatre Group, where my mum was a volunteer and later took over as director.

"I stayed with that group for 15 years, then joined different drama groups, studied musical theatre at Newcastle College, and eventually got into RADA. It’s always been my dream and my passion so its so special to be back in the North where it all started for me.

"At first, I was nervous about the play as I play four characters in this show, and it was a lot to get my head around. 

"But, George Turvey, our director, has been a hero - he’s helped us understand the pacing and transition between roles. It’s a beautifully written and cleverly designed show, which makes it a joy to perform.

"Two of the characters I play even use my own accent which is a nice feeling when performing to audiences who understand us, however fast we speak. So it is a production very close to my heart.

"It’s also rare to work on a production with an all-northern cast and crew. The locations we mention in the play are real, like the Black Middens and the coast, and the audience and us all get a sense of home."

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The production not only showcases the talent of local actors but also highlights the importance of community in the arts.

With a narrative steeped in local folklore and connections to the Tyneside area, the cast is proud to represent their hometown on stage. 

The tour promises to engage audiences with its mix of humour and suspense, inviting them to join Anne on her journey through the past.

The final performance at Cullercoats Watch House will include a staged reading that serves as a fundraiser for the heritage site, further connecting the community to the story.

The tour goes to the Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Hexham between November 13-14,  The Crypt, Middlesbrough Town Hall on November 15 and finishes in Cullercoats Watch House on November 16.