AN actor has given his blessing to a drama group's attempt to stage one of Shakespeare's most difficult and rarely performed plays.

The York Shakespeare Project will perform Titus Andronicus at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, this week.

David Bradley who grew up in York and recently took the lead role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's productions of Titus Andronicus, applauded the project for taking on the play.

Mr Bradley said: "Titus is one of the most powerful and accessible of Shakespeare's plays. It is a brutal but compassionate tragedy shot through with black humour."

This is the fourth production by the project, which is attempting to perform all Shakespeare's plays over 20 years.

Titus Andronicus will be performed at the Friargate Theatre, Haxby Road, from Wednesday to Saturday, at 7pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm Tickets cost £9, £7 concessions and a £1 discount for members.

Tickets are available from York Tourist Board, De Grey Rooms, Ticket World, 6 Patrick Pool, York or from the theatre box office.

Published: 19/04/2004