The group's fifth Shakespeare production is set during the Regency period as members wanted to give the play their own twist without straying too far from the original content.

The plot focuses on young Viola, who disguises herself as a boy and manages to attract the admiration of Lady Olivia, who in turn is loved by Count Orsino. Viola herself is enraptured by the Count. A web of mistaken identities and confusion in the love triangle ensues.

Producer Barry West said: "We thought hard and decided that it was the last period when duelling with swords was still a possibility - for the pretend fight scene between Viola and Sir Andrew - and also that the period lent itself to dramatising the contrast between the upper and lower-class characters rather well. But in particular, it made sense of Malvolio's yellow stockings and cross-garterings, since the male fashion in trousers were still those of knee length."

The group has been rehearsing for the past few months and Shakespeare's comic wit has provided much entertainment for the cast and production team themselves.

Mr West said: "The play is is so full of good things - including music, which plays a big part in it. We are going for flexible staging to give as much freedom to the actors as we can."

He added: "Myself and co-producer Chris Squire are confident that the show will be hugely enjoyable to our audiences. Twelfth Night is with very good reason one of Shakespeare's best loved comedies."

Twelfth Night is on at Cubbington village hall in Broadway from October 16 to 18 at 7.45pm.

Tickets are £5 and £3 and are on sale at Mace Stores in Rugby Road and General Stores in Queen Street. They can also be booked by calling 422515. Visit:

www.cubbingtonplayers.com