RISING rock talent Pete Shoulder is hoping for a sell-out crowd when he plays his first theatre gig next week.

The 18-year-old's appearance at Durham City's 500-seat Gala Theatre on Friday, September 6, could be the last for some time, due to recording commitments.

Pete, from nearby Waldridge, is expecting to start work on the first of six albums for recording company Sony, in the US, in the next few months.

The guitarist, singer and songwriter has been widely acclaimed, even though he has hardly played outside the region's pub circuit. Word of his talent reached the US and Sony was one of three companies wanting to sign him up last year.

Pete said: "So far, we think we have got about 300 tickets either bought or reserved, but I think most of them will go in the last few days.

"It is going well. I don't know whether we'll sell out, but I'm hoping that we can.

"I'm really looking forward to getting up and playing because it will be my first theatre gig and it's on home territory.''

The two-hour show will feature a solo acoustic performance in between two sets by Pete with his band, former members of Durham's Sugarwood.

The band recently recorded at Northern Recording, Consett, with Walter Turbitt, producer for Rod Stewart and Cher.

Pete has made two trips to the US to write songs with top writers Jerry Lynn Williams and Dennis Morgan.

The show starts at 8pm and tickets cost £5, available from the theatre or by calling 0191-332 4041.