CUTTING edge 3D special effects will take centre stage at a North-East theatre when Bogglevision premieres in the UK.

The new technology, dubbed an "interactive theatre system", is set to dissolve the boundaries between stage and audience when it brings the gory Horrible Histories to life at Darlington's Civic Theatre later this month.

Swooping axes, dripping blood, witches and cannonballs will enthral theatregoers as the action appears to be going on all around them - with a little help from a pair of special glasses.

The system is the brainchild of Middlesbrough company Amazing Interactives, which was approached by author Terry Deary to come up with visual effects for a stage performance of his childrens' stories The Terrible Tudors and The Vile Victorians.

It uses 3-D effects to give an incredible depth to props on stage.

Creative director Tim Dear said: "The Horrible Histories are the perfect vehicle for the 3D effects. The audience can interact with the actors in a way that has never before been seen in British theatre."

Horrible Histories premieres at Darlington Civic Theatre on September 20 and runs until September 24. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £7.50 children. To book, call the box office on (01325) 486555.