A STAR cast will be taking to the stage as the curtain rises on the first regional repertory production of Yasmina Reza's ART next month.

In a coup for Harrogate Theatre, in North Yorkshire, the successful British play will be opening its autumn season there on September 12, before a national tour.

Cast favourites include Family Fortunes presenter Les Dennis, Christopher Cazenove, best known for his role as Ben Carrington in Dynasty and John Duttine, who has many film and television credits.

The play - which charts the relationship between three friends - is being directed by 26-year-old Hannah Chissick, who will be working alongside up-and-coming commercial producer 23-year-old Michael Harrison.

Both proteges of West End impresario David Pugh, the pair want to work in the region and ART is the first of a series of collaborative projects they are considering for Harrogate Theatre over the next three years.

"Although I enjoyed working in London, nothing can compare to being artistic director of a theatre that sits at the heart of a community and therefore affords you the privilege of getting to know your audience personally," said Ms Chissick.

"In return, I hope I and my contemporaries are bringing an energy and vision to our jobs that will not only prevent the much-discussed death of regional theatre but cement its future at the forefront of British Theatre".

ART will be running until Saturday, September 27, with evening performances at 8pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost from £6 to £15.50 and can be booked by calling (01423) 502116.