World champion skater to perform in show inspired by Stockton and Darlington Railway

Canadian figure skater, Gary Beacom, will swap his ice skates for roller skates as he stars in the new dance-theatre production, "Departing at 18:25." The show, presented by the Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance, celebrates the bicentennial of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Mr Beacom, who has performed in Torvill and Dean's world tour in the 1980s, will grace the stages of The Georgian Theatre, Stockton, on November 29, and Theatre Hullabaloo in Darlington on November 30.

The former Olympian has 57 years of skating experience, which will be showcased in the 80-minute show. Mr Beacom said: "People can expect musicality and spirit throughout the show. "As a performer, being onstage means that you have a closer proximity to the audience and it is more intimate.



" "Departing at 18:25" explores the idea of life as a train journey, with stops for new experiences. The show combines dance and music styles, including tango, afrobeat, and traditional Irish, with roller-skating. A visual artist will also create a live artwork during the performance.

Olga Maloney, artistic director of the Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance, said: "We are proud to be hosting the premiere of Departing at 18:25 in the pioneering heartland of the railways. "The show uses dance, theatre, live music and visual art to help celebrate the region’s heritage, and we are so lucky to have local, national and international performers taking to the stage in Stockton and Darlington." Following the Stockton and Darlington shows, "Departing at 18:25" will return to the region next year as part of the Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

It will expand in size as dancers from around the world interpret the show and bring their own experiences of the railway to the stage. Further information about "Departing at 18:25" can be found on the Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance website, and tickets can be purchased directly from the venues..