AUDIENCES will be treated to tap dancing and trampoling during a production of Gilbert and Sullivan musical The Gondoliers.

The Darlington Operatic Society performace will be at the town's Civic Theatre from April 28 until May 8.

Director and choreographer Martyn Knight has agreed to take a part in the show for one night only.

Mr Knight said: "Kevin Murray could do the role of Luiz every night except the first Saturday when he was in Scotland attending a confirmation as godfather. So I agreed to stand in for one night, and I can inform you it's a lot easier telling someone else how to do it than learning the lines yourself."

Society stalwart David Curtis takes on the starring role of Guiseppe while Lee Morris makes his lead debut as Marco.

For tickets priced £7 to £13 call the box office on (01325) 486555

The society's autumn production is Guys And Dolls, which will run from October 27 to November 6. Plans for the society to stage Jesus Christ Superstar next year have been dashed when the rights were withdrawn, and other shows are being considered.