YOUNG actors have been preparing for their biggest performance yet, by rehearsing in the director’s front room.

Turrets Youth Theatre will perform Frank Ferdinand at the multi-million pound Northern Stage, in Newcastle, on Thursday.

With its usual facility in Barnard Castle unavailable, the group has been forced to hold last-minute rehearsals in director Jill Cole’s house.

Ms Cole, of Vere Road, Barnard Castle, said: “We haven’t got our own facility to rehearse or perform in so we usually use Witham Hall.

“When that wasn’t available, we were desperately looking for somewhere to rehearse so we just had to do what we could.

“We had 25 young people turn up to rehearse, so we had some in the front room and some in the garden.”

Turrets is one of 200 theatre groups taking part in the National Theatre’s Connections Festival, which runs from tomorrow until May 18.

Ms Cole said: “There are 50 people in the cast with six main parts and it is a great opportunity for them to perform at such a big venue.

“Many of them are starting their GCSEs and Alevels on May 16 and I am so proud of them for the commitment they have shown when they are already under such pressure.”