Christmas show with a bit of a difference.

A TALENTED teenager is determined to make it a bloody Christmas for students at a Stockton college after launching a murder-mystery stage show.

Tim Foley wrote, produced and directed Lady Cadava is Dead for Stockton Sixth Form College which starts tonight.

The 18-year-old playwright, who also studies at the college, took just a few days to pen the original script about the grisly goings on at a Christmas party.

"I thought I'd try to do something a bit different," he said. "It's not something you'd really expect to see at this time of year."

Tim, from Norton, said it was the first time he'd attempted to stage such an ambitious show, which involves 14 cast members aged from 16 to 19.

"It was difficult at first, but I got used to it eventually," he said.

College Principal Martin Clinton said: "Our college is full of creative young people, but Tim's achievement is phenomenal."

Performances will be held at the Bishopton Road West college today and tomorrow. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets pounds 3.

Meanwhile, Stockton Sixth Form College A-level students will be putting on a dance show featuring a variety of styles and music to fund an overseas tour next year.

The performance will take place on Thursday, at Our Lady & Saint Bede RC School, also on Bishopton Road West. Doors open at 6pm. Tickets are pounds 3, pounds 2 concessions. For information call 01642 612611.

CAPTION(S):

AMBITIOUS SHOW: Caitlin Harrison, Daniel Ferguson, Emma Taylor and Laura Travis rehearse for the production, below, and writer Tim Foley, left, Pictures by IAN COOPER; FUND BOOST: Dancers prepare to strut their stuff to raise money for an overseas dance tour