SORCERY, power-lust and brutal death lie at its heart, but it is not all doom and gloom - enchantresses, valour and madness stir up an astonishing mix of black comedy, making Macbeth classic entertainment for all.

Heartbreak Productions - the UK's premier professional open-air touring company based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire - is delighted to present a passionate and brooding interpretation of Shakespeare's enduring tragedy Macbeth.

For years, those in theatrical circles could not bear to utter the name.

The "Scottish play", as actors call it, follows Macbeth's journey from a successful soldier through to a tormented, guilt-haunted killer. Its dark intensity set against the mystical and blackly comic, make it both visually and textually appealing.

A tale of murder, mayhem and corruption set against a backdrop that is bleak and bloody, the play explores the intensity of relationships, both touching and terrifying, where the most brutal things can happen - and probably do. Dark, complex and, at times, shocking, this production is also steeped in spirit and invention.

Using stunning visual effects, this interpretation delves into the mind of Macbeth as he struggles and fights with his conscience.

With the aid of Satan, conjoined triplets and a weird Birnam Wood, this production will highlight Macbeth's central journey with psychological imagery and graphic staging to create the worlds of Heaven and Hell.

With a fresh, more cutting-edge approach, Heartbreak's production promises to be a unique take on Shakespeare's great work and one that will live long in the memory - not just another tragedy.

Peter Mimmack, director of last year's A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Merry Wives of Windsor, 2002's Richard III, 2001's Taming of the Shrew, and 1999's Twelfth Night, will expertly bring out the essence of the play and the exceptional talents of the multi-skilled cast.

Using the same team that created last year's critically acclaimed A Midsummer Night's Dream, the music by Darren Scott is linked to Macbeth's state of mind and Paul Barrett, the production's designer, has created powerful masks and innovative staging which incorporates the audience and transports them into this brutal world.

This will be the company's 16th open-air production, following the success of, among others, A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Louise Jameson, Much Ado About Nothing, under the direction of James Bolam, The Tempest and The Merchant of Venice directed by Barry Stanton.

As well as Macbeth, Heartbreak Productions are also staging The Comedy of Errors during a national tour which starts on June 3.

Shakespeare's comedy gem, The Comedy of Errors, will bring tears of joy to your eyes.

In some small town, an average day becomes extraordinary as a breakneck farce of mistaken identity and chaos unfolds.

Two sets of identical twins, a jealous wife, lusty servants, greed, desire and mistaken identity wreak havoc and comic confusion amongst the townsfolk that culminates in a riveting denouement ensuring an evening of hilarious entertainment for all ages.

Macbeth is being staged at Witley Court, near Kidderminster, on Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20 starting at 7.30pm.

The Comedy of Errors is at the same venue on Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6, again starting at 7.30pm. Tickets for both performances are available by telephoning 01299 896636.

Seating is not provided at the venue and play-goers are advised to bring their own chairs.

Further details about other performances of the plays in the Midlands are available by logging onto the website which can be found at www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk

The Shuttle/Times & News has teamed up with Heartbreak Productions to run a competition where four readers can win a pair of tickets to see one of the plays being staged at Witley Court.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question:

What is the play Macbeth known as by actors?

Send your entries on a postcard or back of an envelope to SHAKESPEARE Competition, Shuttle/Times & News, 6 Towers Buildings, Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, DY10 2DY to arrive no later than Friday, May28.

Normal Newsquest rules apply.