BUDDING performance poets in Darlington are being given the chance to showcase their work.

The Hydrogen Jukebox is an initiative aimed at a non-traditional poetry audience, with a focus on young people.

Performers on the opening night next Tuesday will be Bob Beagrie, Jo Colley and Andy Willoughby, plus guest band Poxy Resin and a performance cabaret by the Industrial Junkies.

Mr Willoughby, a teacher at Darlington College of Technology, came up with the idea after performing in similar shows on Teesside.

He said: "This is to try to make poetry appeal to a non-traditional poetry audience.

"I particularly want it to appeal to the younger audience, but it is for everybody."

He said: "We are going to have a guest band every time, doing three songs to showcase their music, and we will have student performance artists."

Each evening will also include an open mike session, for audience members to take part.

Mr Willoughby said: "The point of that is to find people who might have enough stuff or be good enough to do a whole slot supporting a visiting poet.

"It won't be deadly sombre like going to church. We are trying to make it a bit more of a carnival around words."

The first Hydrogen Jukebox takes place at Darlington Arts Centre on Tuesday, from 7.30pm, and once a month after that. Tickets are £2.50 and £1.50 for concessions. For details call (01325) 486555.