A Workington theatre group is preparing to perform Shakespeare's shortest tragedy featuring 27 speaking parts and even a musical ensemble.

Workington Playgoers will perform Macbeth at the town's Theatre Royal, Washington Street, from Tuesday, July 11, until Saturday, July 15.

Morgan Sweeny, 65, of Eaglesfield, who has taken on the role of director for the play, said it was quite a task to get everything ready, with 30 people in the cast and 25 different scenes.

He said: "It's a bit of a monster with so many people in it, just getting people to arrive at the right time doing the right act took some planning.

"We've started rehearsing around Christmas and it's been a huge logistic task, some people have only met others this week as we've been rehearsing in different groups.

"But the actors have done a fantastic job, there are some outstanding performances, some actors turned up to the first rehearsal completely in command of their lines, which is uncommon at such an early stage."

The play is a powerful story of greed, ambition and lust for power.

Returning victorious from battle, Macbeth, a general in the service of King Duncan of Scotland, is hailed by three witches, who prophesy that he will become Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland. But this supernatural encounter sets a terrible chain of events in motion.

The main role of Macbeth will be played by Geoffrey Hall, while lady Macbeth will be performed by Nicola Woodier.

The group has also filmed some clips, which form integral part of the show.

And Morgan said the actors will be wearing period costumes, which were made by Helen Earl, one of the theatre's volunteers.

He said: "Helen did a great job in making all the costumes. She started making them in November and to be true to the time they are Medieval costumes.

"We also have an early music ensemble playing music at the scenes of the banquet and the funeral and there is also music which has been especially composed for this play.

"It will be a special show with a lot of different elements coming together."

Tickets cost £11, concessions £10.

Performances start at 7:30pm each night. To book visit www.theatre-royal-workington.co.uk or call 01900 603161.