FOR the first time, Silchester Players are to stage a play by William Shakespeare.

They will perform one of the Bard’s the most famous comedies, Twelfth Night, in Silchester Village Hall over two weekends in October, on Friday and Saturday 10 and 11, and 17 and 18.

Twelfth Night opens with one of the most famous lines in theatrical history, "If music be the food of love, play on".

This production is a particularly rewarding enterprise for the Players as the group are one of a select number of amateur groups who are participating in the Royal Shakespeare Company's Open Stages project.

They have received assistance with both the acting and staging of the play. Director Brian Gillett attended a production workshop in the RSC Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon and cast members and stage crew have attended workshops at the Nuffield Theatre in Southampton.

Recently, the RSC's chief voice coach visited Silchester to lead a session on how to speak Shakespearean verse.

Silchester Players look forward to entertaining their regular patrons and also hope that those unfamiliar with Shakespeare will come along to support this ambitious venture.

It is a unique opportunity to see a famous play performed in Silchester in a production which has benefited from the invaluable help of the RSC.

Tickets priced £8 and £6 (concessions) are available from Beryl Oliver on 0118 9815600.

Find out more online at silchesterplayers.hampshire.org.uk.