THE Castle Players’ latest production, Victorian Values, opens at The Witham in Barnard Castle on Saturday, January 7, before touring to nine venues in Teesdale and Weardale.

The show combines popular music hall songs and contemporary writings to create an impression of 19th century life.

For some, Victorian values represented the rewards of hard work and industry, for others the daily struggle to survive.

Writer and compiler Laurence Sach said: "Music hall provided the light relief and satirical edge that made life bearable. The songs have witty lyrics and catchy tunes, yet make you think about the harsh conditions in the 19th century.

"For the Victorian audience, it was popular entertainment and many of the songs reflected social issues that would have been understood only too well.

"For example, I Live in Trafalgar Square is about sleeping rough in London, and Have You Paid the Rent is about the imminent arrival of the dreaded rent collector.”

One of the characters in the production is the campaigning journalist, William Stead.

Born in Northumberland and apprenticed in Newcastle, in 1871 at the age of 22, he became editor of The Northern Echo in Darlington.

After moving to London he became the influential editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, campaigning on many social issues before his untimely death in 1912 aboard the Titanic.

For touring and tickets details, visit castleplayers.co.uk.