ACTORS from rival soap operas have been brought together by a North-East theatre.

Michael Tudor Barnes, who played Willy Roper in EastEnders, and Diana Davies, who played Mrs Bates in Emmerdale, are appearing in the northern comedy Spring and Port Wine at Darlington Civic Theatre.

The play is the final one in the theatre's four-week summer repertory season.

Spring and Port Wine, which is directed by former Coronation Street actor Glenn Hugill, plays at the Civic until Saturday.

Tickes are priced at £7.50, £10.50 and £12.50 and audiences are being invited to mingle with the actors in the bars after the show.

On Friday there will be a special barbecue night in the theatre courtyard, with tickets available for this after-show supper, at £5.95 per head.