ROCK opera Random Access Memory has its premiere at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Wednesday, at 7.30pm.

It combines a rock band with electronic music and sound effects, live performers singing with a virtual opera singer, performances on stage and graphics on gigantic computer screens.

Set in Data City, Middlesbrough’s answer to Silicon Valley, the story unfolds on the desk of a computer programmer as he conjures the virtual spirit of Alan Turing, the Father of Computer Science, who has materialised in order to warn of the Worm that threatens to devour the internet. With echoes of the legend of the Lambton Worm, the freedom of the internet is at stake.

Written by Middlesbroughborn, award-winning composer and Band of Holy Joy member, Alfie Thomas, the musical follows the birth of the internet through music and animation.

Funded by the Arts Council, the project involves a wide spectrum of local people, including the chorus of 100 singers.

The soloists are countertenor James Laing, of Opera North fame, who is the world’s first virtual opera singer, with Louise Kleboe, soprano Emily Smith, baritone Jonathan Ainscough, and the wandering American tenor, David Pisaro.

Tickets cost £4/£3 concessions, available from the box office on 01642-729729.