NEXT week is the last chance for aspiring performers to apply to join a youth theatre project in the region.

Dionysis Theatre Company will be staging the musical, Oliver, in Durham's Gala Theatre this summer.

Singers, actors, dancers, musicians and crew are all needed for what will be the first production by the fledgling company.

Auditions will be held in Darlington on March 25, Newcastle on March 26, Sunderland on March 27 and Durham on March 28.

Auditions to join the orchestra take place on Friday, March 29, at Durham School, Quarry Heads Lane, Durham, at 10am.

Applicants first need to obtain an entry form, which can be downloaded from dionysis.co.uk or by contacting (01388) 420210