TALES of two brothers from County Durham will come to life in the depths of a North-East forest to mark the centenary of the First World War.

The pathways and clearings of Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, will become the battlefields of France for outdoor theatre production Dulce Et Decorum Est.

Youth theatres from the area have come together to create the immersive, promenade piece filled with stories and songs which will be performed over during the remembrance weekend.

A spokesperson for Daisy Arts said: “All of the three youth theatre cast-members have studied and delved into the past and have gleaned stories from that period.

“From that they have devised and improvised their stories and all feel very strongly about commemorating what happened one hundred years ago.

“They are looking forward to having the opportunity of sharing the work they’ve done with an audience and hope they go away feeling moved and feeling it’s been a worth while experience.”

Crook-based Jackass, Barnard Castle-based Turrets and WASH, from Bishop Auckland, have collaborated with acclaimed theatre company Burn the Curtain as well as local professional artists, actors and musicians who live and work in Teesdale and Weardale.

The audience will be split between two walks for different fitness levels.

They can choose to be a ‘volunteer’, which requires a reasonable level of fitness to take on some of the less used paths of the forest, or they can be a ‘conscript’, which offers a walk designed to be accessible for those with access needs or those who would like a more leisurely walk.

Walking alongside two local brothers, one a lieutenant and the other a private, both factions will witness a journey of “resilience, courage and self-discovery” as the stories of the men, women and children from across the county who served in the Great War are played out.

More than 50 people are working on the project which has been being discussed for more than a year and in rehearsals since September.

The performances will be held on Saturday, November 10, and Sunday, November 11, at 4pm and 7pm.

Audience members should arrive at the Visitor Centre at least 15 minutes before starting time and should wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring a torch.

Hot refreshments and drinks will be available to buy from Mandy’s Kitchen.

Tickets are £10 or £7.50 for pensioners and children under 16.

It is recommended for children aged eight and above.

Tickets are available online at ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/county-durham/hamsterley-forest/dulce-et-decorum-est and jackdrum.co.uk or through links on the Facebook pages of Daisy Arts and Jack Drum Arts.

For more information call 07855496106 or 01388-756002.