THE cast of a play based on life in the North-East shipyards is preparing for its launch.

Live Wires, Newcastle's Live Theatre's over-50s performance group, will stage Geraniums in the Shipyard on Thursday night.

Written by former shipbuilder Leonard Barras, the play brings together characters from his popular BBC Radio Four series, Up the Tyne in a Flummox, which explored the memories and activities of a community in Wallsend, North Tyneside.

Live Wires was established in 1997 and is a core element of Live Theatre's education and outreach department, Live Lines.

The group has worked with Mr Barras to produce the play which, after showing at the Live Theatre, will tour to New Hartley Memorial Hall, Washington Arts Centre and Caedmon Hall, Gateshead.

A spokesman for the Live Theatre said: "Barras takes us aboard the Howden Belle as she casts off from Wallsend boat landing in 1933.

"As we travel with the shipmates to their destination, we learn of the plight of North-East shipbuilding and how specific moments and events can change the way you look at life for ever."

To book tickets, priced at £4 and £2, ring the box office on 0191-232 1232