A NEW ballet gets its world premiere in the North-East tomorrow.

Debbie McGee's dance company, Ballet Imaginaire, will be performing her work Phantom - the Ballet, at the Civic Theatre, in Darlington.

Although Debbie will not be taking to the stage herself, she and her husband, Teesside-born magician Paul Daniels, have invested a lot in the show.

Before she settled into the role of magician's assistant, Debbie was a ballet dancer and her ambition has always been to set up her own dance company.

She persuaded her husband to sign the cheque to fund her dream last year and, since then, has been artistic director, costume designer and choreographer for the company.

Daniels has taken on the job of designing the scenery, posters, programmes and special effects for Phantom - the Ballet, which features 14 international dancers.

The Civic Theatre was the first venue in the country to book the ballet, so it has been given the privilege of staging the debut performance.

Debbie said: "I have had this idea in my head for years and it has taken a year to pull it together.

"Darlington Civic Theatre has been wonderful to me and my team, and I am really looking forward now to the opening night."

Ballet Imaginaire is the only self-sufficient, touring ballet company in the UK. The company has even brought its own scenery and lighting to the North-East to ensure it is an artistic success.

Now the Daniels hope it is a commercial success as well.

Phantom - The Ballet is at the Civic Theatre from tomorrow until Saturday.

For ticket details, call the box office on (01325) 486555.