Talented young actors will take on the explosive world of boxing and some of the most popular show tunes in history as they kickstart a diverse and action-packed year.

The Gala Theatre Stage School (GTSS) is busy preparing for a series of performances, which will bring pioneering new plays and musical favourites to the Durham City venue.

In February, the performers will explore the excitement of the boxing ring in Beautiful Burnout by Bryony Lavery. This thrilling piece of highly physical theatre follows the up-and-coming young boxer Cameron as he sets out to make his name by fighting for his club, his mum and his place in the world.

As well as performing at the Gala Theatre on Wednesday 5 February, GTSS will also take the production to Peterlee Boxing Academy on Thursday 13 February. Both performances start at 7.30pm and tickets cost £8.

On Saturday 8 February, the annual Sharings will give theatre fans the chance to see the culmination of GTSS’s work over the last semester. This term’s performance is inspired by the Gala Theatre’s recent production of Lord of the Flies and audiences can expect to see stories of friendship and power. These stories have been created by the young people, with direction and support from GTSS’s team of professional actors and theatre makers.

Performances by members of the tots and foundation group take place at 11am, juniors are at 2pm and seniors at 5pm. Tickets cost £4.

Musical theatre fans, meanwhile, will not want to miss The Cabaret Café on Sunday 9 February at 7pm.

Join GTSS on a journey through musical history, starting with the work of Cole Porter and travelling through the decades to present day hits such as Waitress and Hamilton. Audience members will be seated cabaret-style, hosted at tables by performing students and there will be plenty of opportunities for a sing-along. Tickets cost £6.

Kate Sorahan, theatre education officer at Durham County Council, which runs the Gala Theatre and GTSS, said: “Our talented young performers always give 100 per cent and have embraced the opportunity to work on such diverse and exhilarating shows.”

To find out more or to book tickets visit 03000 266 600 or www.galadurham.co.uk

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The Gala Theatre Stage School will take audiences on a journey through musical history at Cabaret Café on Sunday 9 February.