DELIGHTED Middlesbrough Theatre manager David Lindsey has greeted a 25 per cent jump in attendance figures as a clear indication that audiences will support quality shows.

He said: "Our vibrant mix of professional music, drama and comedy and the best of local amateur talent is producing dividends."

He also pointed to regular children's productions and educational workshops as helping to boost ticket sales.

The theatre has announced a four-week repertory season of comedies and thrillers for the autumn. Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, Robert Thomas's Trap For A Lonely Man, Sir Alan Ayckbourn's Bedroom Farce and Francis Durbridge's Suddenly At Home will run between August 28 and September 22.