WORK has started on one of the North-East's biggest youth theatre productions.

Dionysis Theatre Company was launched last September with the aim of promoting young talent in the region. It is now working towards its first production.

Organisers hope to gain as much support as possible as youngsters put themselves forward for an audition, inspired by the success of such North-East role models as Darlington singer Zoe Birkett, who rose to fame in Pop Idol, and Jamie Bell, the Billingham youngster who starred as a ballet dancer in the film Billy Elliot.

The company is to stage the musical Oliver at the Gala Theatre, in Durham, in August and is looking for musicians, singers, dancers and backstage workers aged between eight and 25 to get involved.

Audition workshops at the end of the month will give young people the chance to work with professionals involved in the show including choreographer Joanne Banks, from Spennymoor, County Durham.

Auditions take place in Darlington on March 25, Newcastle on March 26, Sunderland on March 27, and Durham on March 28, when 120 performers will be selected.

Interviews for young people to join the backstage crew will be held at the same time. Auditions to join the orchestra take place on Friday, March 29 at Durham School, in Quarry Heads Lane, Durham at 10am.

Download an entry form by logging on to website www.dionysis.co.uk or contact (01388) 420210