Jean the Hartlepool dog to steal the stage show!

The hound known as ‘Jean le Chien’ has been created by students at Hartlepool College of Art and Design.

It will make its first appearance in a play called Heroes which is being performed by the Billingham Players.

Spokesman Claire Jennings explained: “Come and enjoy the antics of old soldiers Phillipe, Gustave, Henri and Jean the dog. Plotting to escape the clutches of Sister Madeline and the day to day routine of their nursing home, the award winning comedy follows the antics of three war veterans trying to escape from the confines of their terrace and seek adventure beyond the poplars.

“Do they go on a picnic or try for Indochina? Can they agree who is going to lead this adventure and who will Sister Madeline get rid of next”

Claire added: “The production also features ‘Jean, le chien’ who has been hand carved by staff at CCAD, Hartlepool.

“Norman Austick, our director and set designer, is also a senior lecturer at CCAD, and Andrew Stockdale also works in Hartlepool.”

The play was written by Gerald Sibleyras, translated by Tom Stoppard, and directed by Norman Austick.

The Billingham Players are based at the Theatre Upstairs in Belasis Avenue in Billingham.

Heroes is being performed nightly until Saturday. Doors open at 7pm and performance time is 7.30pm.

Tickets for thye show from tonight to Saturday are £11 or £9 with concessions.

They can be bought on the door at each performance with cash or cheques as there are no card facilities.

Tickets can be reserved in advance by calling (01642) 551981.

The Players would love to hear from anyone willing to help with everything from making the tea to technical support.

The organisation is a small but successful theatre group which is 40 years old.

Organisers say that all you need to be part of the set-up is a passion for theatre.

Call (01642) 551981 to find out more on how to join up with the Players.