A COLLEGE which boasts actor and Strictly Come Dancing star, Mark Benton, as one of its alumni, is about to stage a production of the musical Annie.

Talented students from Stockton Riverside College will be starring at the Arc arts centre in Stockton from December 6 to 20, spanning 32 performances.

Director, Sara Durkin said: “It’s always a massively challenging time for staff and students so early in the academic year, with tight constraints in all areas – time, budget, staffing and achieving the highest of standards we believe possible.”

Teenagers are also treading the boards at three other shows at the college’s own Margaret Armstrong Theatre over the festive season in ‘Cinderella,’ ‘X Marks the Spot’ and ‘A Christmas Carol'.

Performing Arts student, Elizabeth Marshall, who is playing the tyrant Miss Hannigan in Annie, said: “The chance to perform on such a big stage is always a buzz.

"The rehearsals have been hard work but I know that everyone who comes will love the performance and go home happy.”

Tickets are on sale at the Arc or online at http://www.intelligent-tickets.com/index.php?th=sr