Worcester Cathedral Arts is bringing together a group of talented professional actors to present a traditional performance of Richard III, by William Shakespeare.

Worcester Cathedral, arguably the most impressive and awe-inspiring building in the county, offers "a stunning back drop to the staging of professional Shakespeare plays", which the cathedral has presented since 2012.

The Very Reverend Peter Atkinson Dean of Worcester said, 'I am delighted that Shakespeare will return to Worcester Cathedral in 2020 as part of the Worcester Festival. The cathedral will be an awesome setting for a performance of Richard III.'

Set in the captivating surroundings of the cathedral quire, Shakespeare’s Richard III will be performed "in this poignant and dramatic space, around the tomb of another of England’s famous kings, King John".

History has shown that Richard III may be one of the most maligned of English Monarchs and controversy still rages around him and his actions. The cathedral even has a link to Richard III.

The tomb of Sir Griffith Ryce, a welsh nobleman, is in the Dean’s Chapel not far from the quire, and he was the son of Sir Rhys ap Thomas, who is thought to have killed Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.

Richard III, directed by Chris Jaeger MBE, will be performed at the cathedral as part of the Worcester Festival, from Tuesday August 18 to Saturday August 22.

Mr Jaeger said: "This is an exciting development for the Worcester Festival - a partnership with Worcester Cathedral and Malvern Theatres to present professional Shakespeare as part of the Festival in the most spectacular setting imaginable.’

There are shows on each evening at 7.30pm and matinee performances on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Tickets are available and on sale now at Malvern Theatres box office from - Malvern-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/Richard-iii-shakespeare-worcester-cathedral/