IN July Harleston Players will be performing one of Shakespeare's most famous plays after winning a grant of £2,500 from the Broads and Rivers LEADER+ programme and the European Community.

IN July Harleston Players will be performing one of Shakespeare's most famous plays after winning a grant of £2,500 from the Broads and Rivers LEADER+ programme and the European Community.

To win the contest for the hand of the beautiful, clever Portia, Bassanio borrows money from the merchant Antonio and in doing so plunges his friend into the vengeful hands of his bitter enemy - Shylock, the moneylender.

After borrowing money from Shylock to lend Bassanio with the promise of a pound of flesh if he cannot repay it, his ships and merchandise are lost at sea and Shylock looks not to the return of the money, but to his bond - a pound of Antonio's flesh.

The play is an outside touring production directed by Cathy Gill with seven performances between July 10 and 18.

July 10: The Swan Inn, Hoxne. July 11 and 12, Home Farm, Starston. July 15 Hales Hall, Hales, Loddon. July 16 Bateman's Barn Gardens, South Elmham Hall. July 17 Thornham Walled Garden, Thornham. July 18 The Old Rectory, Denton.

All performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7/£5 concs from Harleston Pet Stores or telephone the box office on 01379 588043.

Tickets are still available for the Hoxne Swan performance and can be bought from the above contacts or from the bar at The Swan or by calling 01379 668275. Seating is limited so please bring a fold up chair or blanket to sit on if possible.