TUCKED away at the back of the city's Swan Theatre is a tiny room, dubbed "the studio," which promises an intimate theatre experience with the audience literally in touching distance of the performers.

Being so close to the theatre-going public could be rather intimidating for even the most hardened of professional thespians.

However, the members of the Swan Theatre Amateur Company seemed totally unfazed by the close proximity of their spectators.

It was saddening to note, however, that half of the 60 or so chairs were empty, a sign of the increasing struggle to get bums on seats as local theatre appears to become a decreasingly popular pastime.

But the talented performance of Men Of The World certainly proved that a night at the theatre can make a refreshing change from another night in watching TV.

Just three actors, Julia Blois, Chris Isaac and Hugh Farey, staged this comedy about coach drivers and the humorous idiosyncrasies of their passengers. Not only did they play the parts of the drivers, they also took on the guises of their passengers, meaning they swapped from, for example, a Northern hard man one minute to donning a head scarf to play an elderly frail woman the next.

All three gave stunning performances, but I was particularly wowed by Isaac, who naturally flitted between being a geeky 40-something camp hotelier, and a retired miner - giving the professionals a run for their money.

With hundreds of events on offer during the Worcester Festival, I would strongly recommend people head to their nearest production for a theatrical treat.

Experience New Georgia jazz band

GUITARISTS, trombonists and face painters are among the many types of entertainers gracing a stage at the CrownGate shopping centre.

The live stage has been built especially for the Worcester Festival 2005, offering residents a shopping experience with a difference.

"Ever since its opening 12 years ago, CrownGate has taken a hugely active part in the life of Worcester City Centre, well beyond its role as a provider of a great shopping environment," said a spokeswoman for the centre.

"We care about our customers and want to ensure that they enjoy not just a good shopping experience, but a great day out in Worcester too.

"So it will come as no surprise that the management team was one of the first to get on board when the idea of the festival was dreamed up four or so years ago."

As it did last year, CrownGate has sponsored the Festival Live Stage in Bell Square, between Boots and Beatties, attracting a host of entertainers, including seasoned professionals such as the Spin Dwyers Country Duo and the New Georgia Jazz Band (pictured), both back by popular demand.

"We also have up-and-coming talent such as the King's School Jazz Band and music from guitarists to classical," added the spokeswoman.

"And don't miss the children's events such as the Butterfly Puppet Theatre or the Funky Face Painters, and there's much, much more."

The live stage will run throughout the festival, which ends on Monday, August 29, and acts perform from 10am to 3pm Mondays to Saturdays.

The spokeswoman continued: "It gives shoppers and visitors an opportunity to enjoy all the excitement of a live event completely free of charge.

"And as the space is small, you get a chance to see the performers right up close and to really feel like a part of their act.

"Whether you just absorb the entertainment from a distance as you pass by on your shopping route, or stand and watch the whole show, you really can't fail to enjoy the performance."

For more about the festival call 01905 611427 or log on to www.worcesterfestival.co.uk

FESTIVAL DIARY

There is plenty of entertainment on offer during the Worcester Festival, which runs until Monday, August 29.

TODAY:

10am: Raiders of the Lost Park! Family entertainment at Cripplegate Park.

10am: Violence Against Women, an exhibition being staged at The Guildhall.

10am: A two-day guided walk making a journey of discovery from Worcester to Malvern, starting at Huntingdon Hall.

10am: Uncle Mike's Punch and Judy Show outside Huntingdon Hall.

10am: Exploring Water Colour Techniques, a painting workshop at Royal Worcester Porcelain.

10am: Funky Face Painter at Huntingdon Hall.

10am: New Georgia Jazz Band at CrownGate shopping centre's live stage.

Noon and 2pm: King's School Jazz Band on the live stage at CrownGate.

1pm: Razzamatazz will be performing on the CrownGate live stage.

1pm - 4.30pm: Worcester residents have free entry into Greyfriars.

7.30pm: The comedy Men of the World is being performed by the Swan Theatre Amateur Company at the Swan Studio.

8pm: The Melting Pot Theatre company presents The Tempest at Greyfriars in Friar Street, Worcester.

TOMORROW: Sunday, August 21.

11am - 5pm: A riverside artists' market at the South Quay.

1pm - 4.30pm: Worcester residents have free entrance into the historic Greyfriars.

2pm: The Celebration Brass & Reed Band perform at the Fountains at South Quay in Worcester.

2pm: Malvern Hills District Brass Band will perform at Cripplegate Park.

MONDAY: August 22:

11am and again at 1pm: King's School Jazz Band will perform on the live stage at CrownGate shopping centre.

Noon: Ouja - World Music Duo will be at CrownGate's live stage.

2pm: The film Severn Brides for Severn Brothers will be screened at the Swan Theatre.

7.30pm: The Robert Redford film The Horse Whisperer will be at the Swan Theatre.