THE 50th anniversary celebration of Simon and Garfunkel's first number one hit single, The Sound of Silence, brings a musical about the folk and rock singers to Darlington Civic Theatre.

The Simon and Garfunkel Story, on tour since its West End success earlier in the year, is staged at the Civic on Tuesday at the start of the autumn season. It stars Dean Elliott (Buddy Holly in Buddy – The Musical) and a full cast of actor musicians.

The story tells of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel from humble beginnings as rock and roll duo Tom and Jerry to their success and ultimate dramatic break-up.

Photographs and film footage from the 1960s are projected on to a screen and a live band performs hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound, Sound of Silence and many others.

The show ends with a recreation of the 1981 Central Park reformation concert.

September is a musical month, starting on Monday when Darlington Dance Festival bursts on to stage in a celebration of dance in the town presented by dance schools and community groups.

The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company brings The Mikado, HMS Pinafore and The Gondoliers (September 15-19), followed by The European Baroque Ensemble performing in costume amid elegant settings in Baroque by Candlelight (September 21), which includes excerpts from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Handel’s Water Music and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

The Robbie Williams Experience tribute (September 22) spans the singer's 25-year career, with Hollyoaks heart-throb Tom Vaughan performing as Robbie.

Then there's Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is (September 23), Tenors UnLimited (September 28) and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra in The Swinging Big Band (September 30).

For children, a new musical extravaganza based on Channel 5’s popular TV show, Milkshake! Live Party Party hits the stage (September 12).

West End leading man Daniel Taylor stars as the late comedian in The Tommy Cooper Show (September 24). Dinosaur Zoo (September 25/26) promises marvel and interaction with life-like dinosaurs in a hilarious show live from the West End.