A new Shakespeare performance group are preparing for the curtain to rise on their first show.

The Theatre Royal Shakespeare Players will perform Much Ado About Nothing in Workington's newly refurbished Washington Street theatre tomorrow.

The group is part of Workington Playgoers and features amateur actors from their teens to their 70s from across West Cumbria.

They hope to bring Shakespeare's works to a wide audience.

Kelly Davis, assistant director, says: "Young people in Cumbria need to see Shakespeare performed. One of the things our group hopes to show is that it's not just for posh people and that Shakespeare is for everyone."

Many of the group's members have starred in Shakespearean shows previously.

Some have taken part in workshops with ex-Royal Academy of Dramatic Art teachers Bardy Thomas and Jennie Buckman to help build up their skills.

Geoffrey Hall, who plays Benedick, says: "The workshops helped us to understand how to speak Shakespeare. A lot of it is in verse.

"I believe that amateur actors performing Shakespeare is the best thing as you have to manage your words and diction."

Much Ado About Nothing stars Frank Cosgrove, Kelly Davis, Stephanie Daly-Parks, Hannah Lewis, Maddy Carr, Morgan Sweeney, Geoffrey Hall, Ian Quirk, Andy Greenwood, Maggie Bedford, Andrew Palmer, Wad Davies, Liz Dias, Brian Wernham and Martin LePeu.

The show is directed by Tony Parker, assisted by Kelly Davis and Geoffrey Hall.

Costumes are by Helen Earl and set and lights by Geoff Brinicombe.

The show runs from tomorrow to Saturday.

Tickets are available from the Carnegie Theatre on 01900 602122 and at www.carnegietheatre.co.uk

The group will also perform at The Ennerdale Centre on July 1, Brigham Memorial Hall on July 2 and Ireby's Globe Hall on July 16.