A NORTH-EAST actor is returning to his roots to perform in the latest Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) tour.

Darren Tunstall, who was born in Darlington, has been an actor for the past 13 years.

He joined the RSC in September for their touring production of The Merchant of Venice, and will be working with the company until July.

He plays Launcelot Gobbo in the production, which will be in Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough, in April.

Mr Tunstall, who lives in Brighton, said: "I am looking forward to returning to the region.

"My two sisters still live in Darlington, so it will be nice to see them as well.

"I am really enjoying working with the RSC."

Mr Tunstall returned to his home town in January to talk to students at Carmel RC Technology College where, by coincidence, his nephew Jamie Bowman is studying the play for his GCSE English exam.

The RSC will perform in its own mobile auditorium, at the Rainbow Leisure Centre, Coulby Newham, between Tuesday, April 9 and Saturday, April 13.

There will be a captioned performance on the Wednesday for those with hearing difficulties and it will also be audio-described for the visually impaired.

Tickets are available by calling (01642) 296208.