A COMEDY that started life in the North-East and went on to be a hit around the world is returning to the theatre where it started.

Dirty Dusting, about pensioners who set up a telephone sex line called The Telephone Belles, premiered at The Customs House in South Shields in 2003.

Since then, the show – written by North-East writers Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood - has been performed to sell-out audiences throughout the UK and Australia.

Now it is coming back to the venue for a ten-night run at The Customs House.

Mr Wood said: "The play was originally written for Helen, Jean and Gwen so it’s great that they are returning to the roles once again.

"It is a great honour for us to be part of The Customs House birthday celebrations."

Customs House Executive Director Ray Spencer said: "For a show that started life here at The Customs House to go on and have the success it has is testament to both Ed and Trevor’s fantastic writing and the performances of the girls who made these three fantastic characters come to life.

"Tickets are selling very quickly so I would advise booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment."

Dirty Dusting runs from Wednesday January 20 to Saturday January 30. Tickets cost £14 (concessions £12) and are available from the box office on 0191-454 1234 or by visiting www.customshouse.co.uk.

Performances start at 7.30pm and there will be matinees on Thursdays at 2.30pm.