A THEATRE company which has staged major outdoor plays for more than 20 years has teamed up with a pub to launch a real ale inspired by its next production.

In July, The Castle Players of Barnard Castle will stage Shakespeare’s popular romp The Merry Wives of Windsor in the grounds of The Bowes Museum in the town.

To celebrate the upcoming production, the community theatre company has joined forces with the Old Well Inn in Barnard Castle to create a themed ale.

It will be produced by Mithril Ales, a brewery based in Aldbrough St John, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, and the thespians are inviting their supporters to name the brew.

Andrew Harrison, from The Castle Players, said: “This year our production is set in the Edwardian era, with a clash of cultures between the Suffragette movement and the Music Hall.

“It relates to women in society and with characters such as the foolish Falstaff there should be plenty of exciting possible names for our celebration ale.”

The best names will be entered into a draw and the winner will be invited to Mithril Ales to see the brew being produced.

They will also be invited to the official launch at The Old Well Inn and will receive the first two pints.

Entries must include name, age and contact details and can be sent to andrew.harrison@castleplayers.co.uk or The Castle Players, Real Ale Competition, PO BOX 17, Barnard Castle, DL12 9YS.

The closing date is Saturday, June 6 and entrants must be over 18-years-old.

The Merry Wives of Windsor runs from Tuesday, July 7 to Saturday, July 11.

Tickets are on sale now from castleplayers.co.uk or 07748 708619.