STARS of film, television and a controversial comedy show are heading to the region this spring.

Actress Tracy Shaw will take the lead role in The Blue Room, at Darlington's Civic Theatre, in May, it was announced yesterday.

The play hit the headlines when it ran in the West End after it featured leading lady Nicole Kidman in the nude.

It will be Shaw's first production after leaving Coronation Street and also features Jason Connery, son of Sean Connery.

Other stars lined up for the theatre's spring season include former popstar Toyah Willcox, in Calamity Jane - The Musical, which will run for five days in February.

Stars in their Eyes presenter Matthew Kelly joins forces with George Costigan, of Rita, Sue and Bob Too fame, in Of Mice and Men, a play set against the backdrop of America's Great Depression.

A controversial comedy show that sparked outrage when it was staged last year is returning for a second run.

Puppetry of the Penis, a show involving two nude men creating genital origami, will take to the stage at Darlington Civic Theatre on Saturday, April 19.

The production, which is advertised as for adults only, drew outrage from community groups when it was staged in Darlington last October.

The Christian Institute called for people to boycott it and a petition was presented to theatre bosses objecting to the show, but due to its success it will be staged again this season.

Former Brookside star Sam Kane and Big Brother's Jonny Regan both appear in Boogie Nights, a musical set in the 1970s.

Comedian Ed Byrne, Midge Ure and musician Joe Brown form part of the Darlington Art Centre's seasonal line-up