DISTINCTLY diverse interpretations of a work of art by a husband and wife provide the backbone to a new play taking centre stage at next month's Worcester Festival.

Mouthpiece presents the UK premire of Ugly Art, by American playwright Terry Roueche, at county venues from Monday, August 16, culminating a fortnight later at the city festival.

And to mark the occasion, Roueche and his wife are travelling from their home in South Carolina especially to see the play performed in the Faithful City.

Co-producer Keith Potts said the county tour fulfilled part of their ambition to take productions to rural areas and small towns.

"We are touring Ugly Art to venues in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire," he said.

"We are also pleased to be working closely with Worcestershire County Council and will be taking Ugly Art to libraries across the county."

Anne Langford, assistant county arts officer, echoed his sentiments.

"We play a key role in supporting the arts in the county and it's great to create the opportunity for local people to have access to performing arts by bringing high quality, professional theatre to our libraries," she said.

"Mouthpiece is a Worcestershire-based company with an enviable reputation and we are pleased to support their work."

Producer Karin Heslop said the poignant play centred around an imaginary red painting during an art gallery opening.

"In a series of seven interwoven plays both halves of a twosome are forced to interpret the painting in a way it reflects upon their lives together," she said.

"Women take a dominant role, where they force issues and explore emotions with men.

"Men are forced to adjust to their relationships and the understanding of their immediate world. It's a study of relationships, sexuality and marriage."

As one of around 150 events in the Worcester Festival, which kicks off on Saturday, August 14, Ugly Art will be showing at The Chapter House, Worcester Cathedral, on August 26 and 27, and College Hall on the 28th. Tickets are available on 01905 611427.

The rest of the performances and booking details are as follows:

Monday, 16: Upton-upon-Severn Library (7.30pm) - 01684 592 176

Tuesday, 17: Crowle Parish Hall (8pm) - 01905 381321

Wednesday, 18: Colwall Village Hall (8pm) - 01684 540300

Thursday, 19: Wythall Library (7.30pm) - 01564 822980

Friday, 20: Pershore Library (7.30pm) - 01386 553320

Saturday, 21: Wayside, Whitchurch (8pm) - 01527 450188

Monday, 23: Henley in Arden (8pm) - 01527 450188

Tuesday, 24: Bromsgrove Library (7.30pm) - 01905 765025

Wednesday, 25: Tenbury Wells Library (7.30pm) - 01584 810285