AN internationally renowned drama school is scouting for musical and acting talent in the North-East.

The Guildford School of Acting (GSA) Conservatoire held open auditions at Durham's Gala Theatre on Friday and Saturday.

Former students of the GSA have gone on to international success and acclaim, including household names such as singer Michael Ball, TV presenter Gaby Roslin and actress Brenda Blethyn.

Judging the actors at the Gala was former child star Adrian Hall, who played Jeremy in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He now promotes the GSA across the country.

Mr Hall said: "We are certainly the biggest and the best musical theatre group in the country."

He said the GSA noticed that few of their applications came from the North-East, despite the number of theatres and productions in the area.

Mr Hall said: "It was an obvious choice to hold this unique audition day in the region.

"There is a wealth of young acting talent in the North-East which we are keen to tap into.

"What we are hoping is to see kids who would not come all the way down to Guildford."

The open audition is the first of its kind for the GSA, which normally visits individually.

Hopeful actors were asked to read two speeches or perform a song and a speech.

Dale Morris, 19, a student at New College Durham, was among those trying to impress the talent scouts.

Dale, from Esh Winning, near Durham, said: "I heard about it in college. I have only done one interview before, but I thought I would give this a try."

Those chosen will go to the GSA for further auditions.

Published: 15/12/2003