Shakespeare at Hoxne watermill

THE watermill at Hoxne is to be the background to a new professional production of Shakespeare's The Tempest.A stage is being built on the mill pond itself by Diss Scaffolding Services, who sponsor the event.

THE watermill at Hoxne is to be the background to a new professional production of Shakespeare's The Tempest.

A stage is being built on the mill pond itself by Diss Scaffolding Services, who sponsor the event.

The firm's Richard Littleboy said: 'This is an interesting challenge for us and we're delighted to have been asked to work at the Watermill, where the producer has sought our experience in constructing safe platforms in a sensitive environment.'

Theatre company Matthew Townshend Productions is putting on the play which will feature Louise Michelle, who plays Miranda, daughter of the exiled Duke Prospero. Louise has recently returned from the prestigious Lee Strasberg Drama school in New York; her mother Vicki Michelle remains one of our favourite comic actresses on stage and TV, best known for the smash hit Allo! Allo! Also joining the cast is young Suffolk actor Mark Finbow, who has just graduated from the London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Art.

The production, which will go on tour next year, runs at the Watermill from Friday to Sunday, August 7-9 at 7.30pm Friday and Saturday and 7pm on the Sunday. There remains some ticket availability for the Friday and Sunday, price �15.

Next week Matthew Townshend Productions is running drama, dance and music workshops for children aged between eight and 14. Places are still available for the senior course from Wednesday to Friday from 10am-4pm for the three days, price �120, and there is the opportunity for 11-14 year olds to appear in the production at the Watermill.

To book for the performances or the children's workshops, call 07811 359869 or e-mail mtproductions@tesco.net