A SMALL touring theatre company has made an appeal for businesses to help take its latest production out on the road.

Hey Tude, a three-strong Teesside-based troupe who use theatre to highlight social issues, hope to find a sponsor for their version of Joe Orton's Entertaining Mr Sloane.

Actors Richard Oliver, 26, Harry Gallagher, 39, and Suzanne Bell, 41, plan to take the play, which examines crime and retribution, on a tour of the region's smaller theatre venues as well as schools and adult education centres, next spring.

Their first production, Groping for Words by Sue Townsend, placed adult literacy in the spotlight and was well received by school-age and adult audiences.

Plans for the second touring show hinge on finding a sponsor, which will qualify Hey Tude for matched funding from Northern Arts.

Richard, who combines his love of theatre with work in local television, said: "Obviously, any business backing the company will feature on our promotional literature, but we can also return their support by holding drama workshops to help improve staff performance."

Richard, Harry, who works in management training, and Suzanne, a full-time mother, met while they were studying performing arts at Teesside Tertiary College.

Hey Tude are supported by Walker Hall Associates' Business Link-approved Start Right in Business programme.

Anyone interested in joining the theatre company, or wishing to help with sponsorship, can contact Richard on (01642) 891474 or 07773 872684.