Evening Chronicle from Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England • 32

On the banks of the Tyne, a formerly derelict, ratinfested warehouse has become the site of a theatre complex which aims to put South Shields on the arts map. NICK BROWNLEE looks at the Customs House Customs imports a wealth of talent IN many ways, the decline of the Customs House on South Shields harbour mirrored the end of the town as a bustling port. Built in the last century, this impressive-looking building housed the customs officers who patrolled the passage of goods arriving on the river. It was the focal point of South Shields when the town was almost as important to merchants as Newcastle further up the Tyne. In recent years the building fell derelict as the shipping industry all but died on Tyneside.

It is fitting, therefore, that the regeneration of South Shields as a centre for the arts should be symbolised by the rebirth of the PANTO STAR: Tyneside's very own Billy. Fane Houseful SOME of the top names from comedy and music an booked to appear at the Customs HOMO, In South Shields, In the next month. For lovers of classical muidc. there is a ran appearance by South Korean pianist Young-Choon Park on January la Young-ChOon Park has toured sucamaduily in Europe and the USA and has been a soloist with the London Philviumonic and the Engish Climber Orcesira. Her extensive repertoire ranges from Haydn, Montt and Beethoven to Schumann, Chopin and Debussy.

On January 20 there's a very speciel appearance, by the everpopular Pwn Ayres. It IS now 20 years since Pam's first ice on Opportunity and her new show features the usual blend of sharp-witted poems, songs, anecdotes and sketches. The Customs House, MN Dom South Shields. Boot 091 4541234 Customs House as a splendid theatre, cinema and gallery complex. Earlier this month, the Customs House was opened at a gala ceremony featuring the Northern Sinfonia and Dance City.

The evening was the culmination of years of planning and hard work, revamping the disused building into one of the best venues in the North. The work was supported by the Tyne Wear gevelop ment Corporation, South Tyneside Council and Northern Arts. Alex Medhurst, director of the Customs House mist, said: "The Customs House will cater for the people of South Tyneside and beyond. "Now you'll have no need to travel any further than Mill Dam to enjoy the very best in film, drama, music, exhibitions, dance and comedy." Already, the Customs House has played host to top actress Shirley Anne Field in a production of Shirley Valentte. And this mon keeping with the festive season, there is a traditional family pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwalfs, starring Little Billy Fane and Victoria Arbiter.

Even Arnold Schwarzenegger has made an appearance in his new film Junior which is screened when the theatre is transformed into a cinema. of stars ODE TO SUCCESS: Pam Ayres is at the Customs House I REVNAL: no barrier to good at the Customs House riALINE-UP of bumper stars highlights the season at the Sunderland Empire next year. When the last curtain call comes for Dick Whittington And His Cat, the stage will be getting set for the King Elvis. Elvis in the shape of Liberty Mounten, who is billed as America's top Elvis impersonator. He's at the Empire on January 11.

The following week will see two familiar soap opera faces taking to the stage. 4 A 0 likeable Lofty in East Enders, while David is known to millions as Brookside's former heartthrob Pat. For lovers of big music, there's a Band, featuring soloists Marion Montgomery and Ron Williams, will be broadcast live on BBC Three days later sees Alvin Stardust, Mud and The Glitter Band arrive in town to perform their Solid Silver Seventies Glam Rock Show. The show was postponed in November after a firework went off in Alvin's face. Now fit and well, he'll be singing all his big hits in an evening of glam, glitter and nostalgia.

Next up will be Peter Pan The British Musical, direct from the West End, and starring Terence Donovan and Nicola Stapleton. Terence, in the role of Hook, is best known as Doug Willis in Neighbours and as Jason Donovan's real-life dad. Nicola, who plays Pan, shot to fame as teenage tearaway Mani in East Enders. Peter Pan will run from Februa 21 to 25. Legends of Football, George Be and Rodney Marsh, are the star attractions on March 4.

Opera buffs will love the return of Campagnia D'Opera Italiana Di Milano on March 12 to perfoi Tosca. Back by popular demand at the end of March is Buddy The Musical. This seems to come to the regio every year and it's worth eve penny. The musical is probably one of the best of the past decade and would be wise to book your tickets now. Don't miss it.

North-East comic Roy Chubby Brown takes over for three nig of adult humour from April 10 If you're easily shocked, this show won't be for you. rs 1 i i a 1 Glitter I wane inuna is Known to minions Tom Watt and David Easter star in On The Piste as Brookside's former heart- from January 16 to throb Pat. 21. For lovers of big band music, there's a great Tom is better show on offer on known when he February 13. starred as wimpy, but The BBC 41 i Radio Big SHOCKING BUT FUN: Roy Chubby 11 Brown who will be at the Empire for three "4 nights of adult humour from April 10 i At IP 4.

4 iV a. rl. ob. 5. b- to 4, 1 "'ile 1 GREAT LINE-UP COMING YOUR WAY THE fun list of events at the 4: Legends Of Football 111mpire to date is: George Best and Rodney Marsh 'January: 7-11: The Music Man 11: Liberty Mourn en Elvis 12: Tosco 1021: On The Piste 14: West End SboveatopPers February: 22-April 7-11: Rita, Sue And Bob Too 1: Buddy The Musical 13: BBC Radio Big Band APrik 15: Fairport Convention 2: The 15: The Blues Brothers 443: Birmingham Royal Ballet It Solid Silver Seventies Glam Swan UM and Reek 10-12: Roy Chubby Brown 21.115: Peter Pan The British 13: Solid Sliver Sixties Show er 2022: Postmen Pars Adventures The panto season is well underway but the region's theatres are already busy planning what's in store for next year.

For the next two weeks, GORDON BARR takes a look at what's coming your way.