AN outraged theatre-goer has submitted a petition to theatre bosses after he was sent details of an adult show.

Ian Graham, chairman of the Marton Avenue Residents' Association, was appalled to read of the forthcoming Puppetry of the Penis show when Darlington Civic Theatre's programme arrived through his door.

He claims that friends who are also on the theatre's mailing list reacted in a similar way, and were only too willing to add their names to a petition.

Mr Graham has sent a petition, bearing ten signatures to the theatre's management, along with a letter expressing his "disgust".

He said: "I've been on the mailing list for a few years, but when this brochure came through the door, I binned it straight away.

"I don't think the theatre should put on this kind of show. I think its standards have slipped, and I won't be going back."

The show, which attracted both controversy and large audiences in the West End, is billed as a revival of the "ancient art of genital origami".

It features two nude men creating shapes, including hamburgers and the Loch Ness Monster, with their bodies.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Civic Theatre, where the show will be staged on Saturday, October 6, said people should be able to see a wide range of acts.

"We don't set out to offend our patrons, but the show is virtually sold out, so there are obviously people who want to see it."