A HOST of high-profile names will be appearing at Darlington's Civic Theatre in the coming months.

The theatre's Summer Repertory Season will see soap actors performing in a selection of plays, all directed by Ian Dickens Productions.

Nicola Burgham, 25, Darlington Civic Theatre's spokeswoman, said: "We are delighted that Ian has returned for what is set to be another fantastic season of quality plays."

First in line is JB Priestley's Dangerous Corner, starring Shirley Anne Field, Nicola Wheeler and Peter Amory of Emmerdale fame, The Bill's Tony O'Callaghan, and Chloe Newsome, star of Coronation Street.

The drama will run from Tuesday, June 12, to Saturday, June 16.

The season continues with Donald Churchill's The Decorator (Tuesday, June 19, to Saturday, June 23), Richard Harris' Dead Guilty (Tuesday, June 26, to Saturday, June 30) and Michael Cooney's Cash on Delivery (Tuesday, July 3, to Saturday, July 7).

An opening night party will be held after the first performance, where theatre-goers can mingle with the cast, while enjoying a barbecue, complimentary cocktail and live music. Tickets for the party cost £8.45 each (£7.45 for four-star ticket holders). Phone 01325-486555.