A FORMER Blue Peter presenter says he is looking forward to making his debut at a North-East theatre.

Peter Duncan, who appeared on the BBC children’s show in the 1980s, will play Jack Firebrace in Rachel Wagstaff’s adaptation of the Sebastian Faulks book Birdsong at the Gala Theatre, Durham, next week (March 10 to 15).

He said: “I’m looking forward to it.

“The tour is going very well. It’s pretty much selling out and it’s getting nice reviews. It’s lovely playing to good audiences.

“It’s an emotional part to play. I’m excited by that.

“There’s a sense of expectation from people who’ve read the book, wondering whether it will match their imagination.”

Mr Duncan, who will be making his first appearance at the Gala, said he sensed there was greater interest due to the approaching centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

“We’re trying to make young people aware of the ridiculous nature and the horrors of war.

“It’s very poignant that it’s 100 years and people are still fighting wars and these last few days we’re experiencing that sabre rattling again.”

Birdsong is at the Gala from March 10 to 15, with performances each night at 7.30pm and 2.30pm matinees on the Wednesday and Saturday.

Tickets are £25 for adults, £23 for concessions, £22 for the first night, matinee shows and Gala Friends.

To book, visit the box office, call 03000-266-600 or go online to galadurham.co.uk.

The tour is supporting armed forces charity Help for Heroes. It will stop at York’s Theatre Royal from March 24 to 29. For more information, visit birdsongthetour.com