The twice yearly theatre festival, Jabberwocky Market, returns to Darlington from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 March.
Producer Caroline Pearce explained, "this year we’re bringing together a diverse mix of stories that you simply wouldn’t get to see anywhere else.
"The line-up has been chosen very deliberately to appeal to a wide age range, from families looking for a quick introduction to live theatre, to the older people and students who frequented events at the former arts centre.
"What all of the shows have in common though, is their ability to draw the audience in and, in some cases, make them an active part of the story. It’s a unique experience and one we’re delighted to be bringing back to Darlington town centre."
Highlights include:
The Adventure – (Thursday 26 March)
Board a bus from the town centre to a secret location, where you'll join an intrepid gang of young detectives to solve the abduction of a famous scientist.
This hour of funny and scary interactive theatre is designed for ages 8 to 11.
Gloriator – (Thursday 26 March - Quaker Meeting House)
Almost 15 years after the release of Ridley Scott's epic, Gladiator, French actress Gloria Delaneuf and her UK tour manager Josephine Cunningham pay a hilarious homage to the Oscar-winning film with their own brand of bravery, honour—and costumes made out of cardboard.
Scratch Night – (Friday 27 March - Quaker Meeting House)
Performers from across Darlington are invited to test their work and receive feedback from the audience.
The Frights – (Saturday 28 March - Quaker Meeting House)
Produced by Newcastle's Alphabetti Theatre, The Frights tells the story of Hannah, an activist who struggles to adjust to everyday life with her boyfriend Luke after three months in captivity.
Lorraine and Alan – (Saturday 28 March - Quaker Meeting House)
A modern re-telling of the Selkie myth, Lorraine and Alan uses live electronic sound design, song and several hundred plastic bottles to tell the tale of a marine biologist who discovers a mysterious woman lying amongst the seals.
Discussions and a Caribbean Sunday Lunch – (Sunday 29 March - Voodoo Cafe)
A panel discussion, featuring stars from the festival, to chat about why it's great for theatre to travel. Stay for a unique Sunday Skank, courtesy of Voodoo Café, and then in the afternoon there will be a presentation from professional artists about brand new projects they've been working on.
Full details are available on the Festival's web site.