A NEW political satire by a North-East playwright will be performed in the region next week.

Top Banana, written by David Napthine, is a satire on New Labour that draws heavily on Christopher Marlowe's classic tragedy, Dr Faustus.

The play is set in an Old Labour stronghold, as industries fail and a sense of hopelessness washes over the community.

Murray, the leader of the council, is offered a lifeline from a privatised water corporation, which tempts him to betray his principles with the promise of personal power and prosperity.

The show is directed by and stars Fine Time Fontayne, who starred alongside Julie Walters and Brenda Blethin in Girls' Night and has also appeared in EastEnders, The Bill and Coronation Street.

He was most recently seen in Brassed Off at York Theatre Royal.

He is joined by John Davitt and Christian Newton in the three-man show, which is being brought to the North-East by the Quondam National Touring group.

Andy Booth, founder of Quondam, said: "Top Banana should appeal to anyone with an interest in politics, whether they work for a political party, a union or a local authority, or are a member of a campaign group.

"With all the debate over the regional assembly in the North-East, it is especially topical."

Top Banana will be performed at the Town Hall in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, at 7.30pm on Thursday. Tickets are £6, and £5 for concessions, available on (01388) 602610.

Published: 30/10/2004