SHOPPERS were treated to the latest craze from the US yesterday - "flashmobbing" by a gang of students.

Nearly 70 performance arts students gained publicity for their latest productions by flashmobbing - lying on the street and jumping up at precisely the same moment.

The 16 to 18-year-olds, from Stockton Riverside College, were bringing the latest craze from New York to the town's High Street.

In New York, and now London, flash mobs will use mobile phones to co-ordinate their movements to converge at the same place at the same time. Without warning they will suddenly shout out a pre-agreed script and suddenly disperse.

However the Stockton students, who are seeking publicity for their musical productions, agreed not to startle shoppers too much by donning bright red T-shirts as they converged on Stockton High Street at 12.30pm.

Student Matthew Jameson, 18, said: "In one of the productions, flashmobbing actually takes place so it was quite an obvious thing to do."

The student production is part of the Connections Festival, which brings new plays for young people to perform.

This year they will perform a version of a Russian play called Bedbug the Musical. They will also be performing Discontented Winter/House Remix by Bryony Lavery.

The shows run from today until Friday, at Stockton Riverside College. There will be afternoon performances today, tomorrow and Thursday at 1.30pm and 7pm showings each night up and including Friday.

Tickets cost £5 (£4) for both shows and are available on the door or by calling (01642) 865400.

Published: 30/03/2004