HISTORY comes alive later this month when the work of Shakespeare is played at two of the region's castles.

Dilston, near Corbridge, is first to host a performance of As You Like It from 7.30pm on Saturday, June 29, while another follows at the same time within the Norman ruins at Richmond the following night.

In the latest production, Theatre Set-Up, from London, uses costumes modelled on clothes which would have been worn around the time of Richard the Lionheart, while the cast includes both new talent and experienced Shakespearean actors and actresses.

Tickets start at £6.50 and are available from Hexham Tourist Information Office, telephone (01434) 652220 as well as Richmond Castle, telephone (01748) 822493.