THE Castle Players, renowned for their open-air summer productions of Shakespeare,are to present a winter show at 13 venues.

Their specially-written production of Shakespeare the Cabaret will open on Thursday, at 7.30pm, at Charles Dickens Lodge, in Barnard Castle.

They describe it as a romp through the works of the Bard, including romance, tragedy, history and comedy.

All the proceeds from the run will be donated to the Witham development project, which includes the creation of a purpose-built theatre in the town centre.

The opening performance will be followed by one at Mickleton Village Hall on Saturday and another at Bishop Auckland Town Hall next Monday.

After the festive season, the first show will be at All Saints Church Hall, in Darlington, on Saturday, January 14, followed by Barningham Village Hall, on January 21, Bowes Village Hall, on January 27 and Witton-le-Wear Community Centre, on January 29.