Last call for actors at Stafford Castle

The opening night of Stafford's Shakespeare festival will be a sell-out for the first time in its history, producers announced today.

Despite a gloomy weather forecast, people will turn out in their droves tomorrow night for an open-air production of Romeo and Juliet at Stafford Castle.

Producer Derrick Gask said: "It is a great year for the country, with a real patriotic atmosphere that started with the Jubilee celebrations and will continue right through until the Olympics end.

"The nation has really embraced everything that is Great British including the Stafford Festival Shakespeare event at the castle. The cast and team have worked really hard over the last three weeks and we are excited to share this unique production."

Light rain showers are predicted for tomorrow night but organisers said that would not dampen people's spirits.

Mr Gask added: "As with any open-air event, we are exposed to the elements up at the castle however with 22 years' experience we are well prepared for any eventuality."

With state-of-the-art, completely covered seating, the audience can enjoy the performance whilw staying dry and the show will always go on.

Former Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell stars as Lady Capulet and Nicola Blackman, known for her roles in Casualty and The Bill, as the nurse. Dwane Walcott will be Romeo and Poppy Drayton Juliet.