WHEN the stars return to Darlington's Civic Theatre in September, they will be walking into new-look dressing rooms and on to a refurbished stage.

The theatre has "gone dark" for six weeks while annual maintenance and repairs get under way.

Included in the work is a paint-job on the star dressing rooms, where in the past, performers including Cilla Black, Bob Hoskins and Felicity Kendal, have prepared for their performances.

Bill Cunningham, stage manager said: "The dressing rooms are being repainted because it's about time they were done.

"It is time to spruce them up a bit really. They are the only area in the building where people can smoke, so there is need for the wood to be washed and the walls to be repainted."

While the stage is empty, the theatre staff are carrying out safety checks on all their equipment.

The Civic is one of the few remaining "hemp houses" in the country, which means ropes are used to drop scenery in place rather than machines.

As part of the summer clean-up, all 96 ropes, which are 120ft long, have been checked, along with every light fitting.

Mr Cunningham said: "Because of health and safety rules. we have to check everything and get electricians in to look at things as well.

"Most theatres now control their scenery mechanically but we use ropes that obviously have to be in perfect working order before the new season starts."

The Civic stage has been graced by the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Rex Harrison, George Formby and Les Dawson in the past and once the current repairs are completed, another host of stars will perform in the spotlight.

Mr Cunningham said: "There's always lots of painting to be done at the theatre and we can use this quiet time to sort out all the things that have caused us problems during the last season.

"Surprisingly, this is one of the theatre's busiest times, even though there is no one on the stage. Once a production moves in, there is nothing we can do to the stage until it goes.

"Although the theatre is empty, the atmosphere is still great. We are all looking forward to our holidays as well as to the new season."

The theatre closed after Des O'Connor's performance last week and will stay dark until September.

The sales and information office remains open during the work and booking for the new season, including the Chuckle Brothers in pantomime, will start on Monday, August 6.