THE summer season at Darlington Civic Theatre opens with a trilogy of plays by the established Asian theatre company, Tara Arts.

Journey to the West is a trilogy of plays which has been five years in the making and is considered to be a landmark in multi-cultural theatre.

It portrays the human cost of moving from one home to another in an epic story spanning the last century.

Using dance, live music, colourful costumes and spectacular effects, Journey to the West is intended to delight the eyes and ears while giving a fascinating insight into changing histories, languages and cultures. The story moves from 1901 to 1968 and on to the present day.

The plays are scheduled for May 8-11, with a choice of seeing separate parts or the full trilogy, including matinee performances, and during the run, the foyer will be turned into a bazaar offering food, stall and displays linked to the theme.

In mid-May, adventure for all the family arrives in the form of Terry Pratchett's Truckers, a modern-day Gulliver's Travels, packed with humour, shrewd observation and brilliantly drawn characters.

For the very young, The Wheels on the Bus - Beep's BIG Adventure, with singalong songs, music, dancing and audience participation, on June 5 and 6.

Back by popular demand on June 8, Joe Pasquale will bring his new show to the Civic and another sell-out performance is expected.

English Touring Opera presents an outstanding double bill on consecutive evenings, La Traviata by Verdi and Mozart's Don Giovani on May 27 and 28.

On the musicals front, Denise Nolan stars in Willy Russell's excellent Blood Brothers which tells the heart-rending tale of twin boys who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the track. It runs from June 10-15.

From July 15-20, another musical hit not to be missed is the ever-popular Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Blue Watch returns (May 20-25) with Naked Flame II - Fire Down Under, a show for adults only, containing male nudity, starring James Crossley, best-known for his role as Hunter in Gladiators.

Music fans are catered for on May 29 with 10cc performing all their hits including Rubber Bullets, I'm Not in Love and The Things we do for Love.

The following evening, Former Rolling Stone, Bill Wyman, performs with his own band, the Rhythm Kings.

Other musical treats include the VIPs of Jazz on June 1, in a triple bill starring the Big Chris Barber Jazz and Blues Band, the Pasedena Roof Orchestra and the Dutch Swing College Band, and on June 7, Think Floyd, a tribute to Pink Floyd, with a virtually complete performance of the music from the classic album The Wall.

Full details of all the summer shows, including the four-week summer repertory season starting on June 18, are available in the new brochure. Further information is available from the theatre on 01325 486555.