ONE of Britain's most popular professional touring theatre companies is heading to West Wales with an all-male cast to perform Shakespeare's greatest thriller Hamlet in the grounds of Narberth Castle. The Festival Players are celebrating their 21st birthday by staging nearly 70 performances of the Bard's play across the UK this summer and this will be their final performance in Wales, following earlier performances at Oystermouth Castle. Award-winning Manchester actor Christopher Hollinshead (above right and with Gavin Dobson as Ophelia) makes a welcome return to the company in the title role, following excellent reviews for his portrayal of Helena in last year's all-male A Midsummer Night's Dream. Christopher won the George Benson Prize for his portrayal of Richard III at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London. Stroud's Nathan Hannan appears as both Gertrude and Horatio, while Walsall-based Martin Tomms plays Polonius and the Gravedigger. Other cast members are: Former Nottingham resident Paul Strickland (Claudius and Ghost of Hamlet's Father), Gavin Dobson (Ophelia, Rosencrantz, Osric), originally from Darlington Adrian Harris (Laertes, Guildenstern, First Player) from Bristol. Worcester-based director Michael Dyer admits that in 2005 a few eyebrows were raised when people realised there was not an actress in sight in their version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. "But the feedback proved that people were intrigued by the idea and liked what they saw. Although it might seem unusual today to field an all-male cast it is in fact totally authentic - we are just following in the footsteps of Shakespeare's own Elizabethan Globe Theatre when all the roles were taken by men." Dyer is relishing the challenge of directing what he calls 'the ultimate revenge drama.' "The tale of the young Danish prince has fascinated scholars and theatregoers for over 400 years and it's not hard to see why - it is a masterpiece of suspense." The Narberth Castle audience should have no qualms about how long they will have to sit in the open air concentrating on 'the sufferings of a suicidal young man,' he says! "This will be an exciting, witty and fast-moving two hour production. It's essentially a story of a prince's race for revelation and revenge. It's full of intrigue and passion and boasts all the theatrical elements you care to mention - suspense, wit, comedy, pageantry, swordplay and even a ghost!" The production will also unusually feature original music, specially composed by Cotswolds singer- songwriter Johnny Coppin, who made his name in 70s cult folk-rock band Decameron and whose past collaborations include Edge of Day, with well-loved writer Laurie Lee, of Cider with Rosie fame, whose poems he set to music. The production will be staged on Thursday, August 31, at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £12, concessions £10, are available from the Box Office on (01834) 869323.