THE Priory Players make a welcome return to Colchester Castle Park next week with their take on a lesser performed work of the Bard.

As You Like It is perhaps most famous for the All the World's a Stage speech, which is why it is so popular with actors but it's also a very funny pastoral comedy that tells the story of Rosalind who flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia, to find safety and, eventually, love, in the magical Forest of Arden.

A whole host of local actors are taking part in the run, which takes place at the Upper Bowling Green in Castle Park from August 2 to 6 at 7.30pm each night with a matinee at 2.30pm on the Saturday.

The play is being directed by Tony Winn, who many will remember as the excellent Feste in last year's Priory production of Twelfth Night.

He says: "I've done a couple of great runs with the Priory Players, first in Richard III and then last year's Twelfth Night, which I really enjoyed. So when the opportunity came up to direct one, I jumped at the chance.

"I chose As You Like It because it has some pretty great parts for the ladies and as we have some brilliant local talent here in Colchester I thought this play would really show that off."

As well as some local acting talent, Tony has recruited some musical ones to in Simon and Val Hughes.

"Like me," he adds, "they were a couple who used to live in Essex but have now moved to Suffolk. They do a lot of folk music so that's the kind of style we've gone for in the show."

As in previous years theatre-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and picnics, and as such the gates will be open an hour before the performance.

Tickets, priced £10 and £8 for concessions. are available from the Headgate Theatre on 01206 366000.