ONE of Shakespeare's most controversial plays, Measure for Measure, will be staged at the Arc in Stockton later this month by the Boss Theatre Company, a Teesside theatre group, which will also offer a pre-show workshop for budding actors.

Some critics have viewed Measure for Measure as one of Shakespeare's greatest achievements, others have criticised its inconsistency as well as the themes, style, genre and characters.

Today it is mainly seen as a problem-play, one that cannot be clearly identified as either comedy or tragedy and which leaves moral issues ambiguous to the end.

Boss has given it a contemporary setting amid soulless offices, dark lap-dancing clubs and a world most will recognise - though dare not look at to closely.

The play deals with the conflict of justice and mercy in a Vienna which the governor, Duke Vincentio, has allowed to sink into crime and prostitution.

When the Puritan Angelo is left in charge, he immediately puts moralistic strictures into place, and captures a young couple, Claudio and Julietta, caught consummating their marriage before the ceremony.

Claudio sends for his sister Isabella, a nun-to-be, to persuade Angelo to drop the charges and spare his life. Angelo's offers of Claudio's life in exchange for her virginity gives rise to many moral questions which the play explores.

It will be performed from Wednesday to Saturday, February 23-26, at 7.30. On Friday, February 25, there will be a pre-show workshop for people to take part in improvisational games and vocal and physical warm-ups with the actors and the director.

This is aimed particularly at anyone interested in entering the acting profession and wanting to get a taste of what goes on before a performance. It will also be useful for teachers and students.

The workshop starts at 5pm, and costs £2. Places are limited and should be booked in advance.

Boss has worked on Teesside for many years, presenting plays by Shakespeare, Mamet, devised pieces and murder mysteries, and also works for various international festivals.

The group prides itself on not being constrained by one theatrical medium, and its members have progressed to professional careers in theatre, film and television and several now work regularly in the West End. Many regularly return to perform with Boss in shows for the region.

Tickets for Measure for Measure are £7/£5 concessions, and can be booked from the box office on 01642 525199.