ORGANISERS of an annual drama festival are promising its biggest edition yet.

The 36th Durham Drama Festival will be held in the city from February 23 to 26, featuring acting, dance, workshops, question-and-answer sessions, stand-up comedy, acoustic music and social events.

Festival director Callum Cheatle said: "This year’s festival will reach more people, cover more distance and be more jam-packed with events than ever before.

"We have had the highest number of applications from writers in the festival’s history, alongside an incredibly exciting list of judges and some terrific new venues."

The festival was founded by Durham Student Theatre in 1975, as the One Act Festival. Since then, it has grown and grown, with thousands of performers from hundreds of theatre companies taking part.

This year’s line-up includes plays by Durham University students Matt Urwin, David Head, Adam Usden, Donnchadh O’Connaill and Ellen Driver; a Durham Improvised Musical show; Durham University Light Opera Group performing Cabaret; comedy from Durham University’s Just Deserts and ShellShock! and physical or devised theatre from Far From Home.

At the end of the festival, prizes will be awarded to the best works.

Most events will be held at the Assembly Rooms Theatre, on North Bailey. However, for the first time, fun and educational workshops will be held in nearby schools.

There are two types of ticket available: day tickets, providing access to all events on a single day of the festival; and festival passes, allowing access to all festival events.

For more information and a full programme, visit dramafest.co.uk or call 07733-266553.