CURTAIN up on the first production at the newly restored Darlington Hippodrome looks set to be a sell-out.

Local amateurs DarlingtonOS will stage a specially commissioned production called Strictly Musicals Two – a two-hour show featuring songs from some of the best loved musicals of all time.

Chairman Julian Cound said: “Every member of DarlingtonOS feels honoured to be given this fantastic opportunity to be the first to perform at the Darlington Hippodrome and we are delighted to see ticket sales for Strictly Musicals Two are breaking all records.

"We are several weeks away from opening night but some performances are close to selling out. I’m sure many people will have bought tickets to be one of the first to get inside the venue to see the transformation that has taken place over the last 18 months."

Since the theatre closed in May 2016, the building has undergone a multi-million pound restoration thanks mainly to a £4.5m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

With other funding the £11.7m revamp has seen the seating capacity increase to 1012, the auditorium restored to its Edwardian splendour, public circulation space improved, lifts installed and backstage facilities given a complete facelift to accommodate larger touring shows.

Preparations are well under way for the first pantomime of its new era – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Lynda Winstanley, theatre director, said: "We have shows lined up until autumn next year and are even starting to talk about next year’s pantomime season.

“We have had people phone up who have never been here before, but when they see what we have done, they want to come.”

After 110 years the theatre remained a landmark for Darlington and people had seen the restoration take shape.

“What we have done is enhance what we already had to give it a real 21st century feel,” she added.

November's opening show, Strictly Musicals Two, will feature a live ten-piece band under the direction of Steven Hood. The show is directed and choreographed by Jo Hand.

The production will feature songs and medleys from shows such as Mamma Mia, Wicked, Top Hat, Chicago, Jersey Boys, Sunset Boulevard, Joseph and more. The week-long run opens on Tuesday, November 21. For tickets call Ticket Hotline on 01325 244659 or buy online at darlingtonos.org.uk.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs from December 9 to January 14.

The cast includes former Blue singer and EastEnders actor Lee Ryan, Pop Idol contestant and West End performer Zoe Birkett, Coronation Street actor Eric Potts and comedian Liam Mellor. For more information, call 01325 405405 or email hippodrome.info@darlington.gov.uk.