BRITAIN'S leading theatre company will be playing to sell-out audiences when it visits Northallerton next month.

Every ticket for the Royal Shakespeare Company's (RSC) production of The Tempest was snapped up by the beginning of the month.

Reserve lists are now in operation for those still trying to get a seat.

The RSC is staging five evening performances and two matinees at Hambleton Leisure Centre, from March 27 to 31.

The visit is the fourth the Stratford-on-Avon troupe has made to the venue, and all have been sell-outs.

"We are delighted by the response to this visit," said leisure centre manager Rich-ard Dowson.

"We expected the production to be popular, but never imagined it would sell out seven weeks before the opening night."

The RSC will also hold three workshops for schools and an amateur dramatic society.

A fourth workshop, which will be open to the public, is planed for March 29, in Bedale. For details call (0609) 767149.

To place names on the reserve list for tickets, ring (01609) 777070.