Haverfordwest Castle will provide the backcloth for two historic plays presented by Cleddau Community Arts as part of the town's 900th anniversary celebrations.

On July 20, 21, and 23, there will be a performance of 'What's new then?' and 'Anna'.

The castle grounds have a precedent for this type of entertainment and were used to great acclaim during the millennium year.

The first play, entitled 'What's new then?' is an examination of the arrival of the railway to the town in 1853 and the upheaval that its arrival caused to those who had, until then, made their living from the river traffic that had plied the Cleddau and used Haverfordwest as a busy river port.

The second is simply called 'Anna' and unfolds the remarkable and factual story of the association that Anna Williams and her father Zachariah, of Rosemarket, had with Dr. Samuel Johnson.  Dr. Johnson was already famous for the compilation of his dictionary. And yet, two almost penniless people from Pembrokeshire came to be friends with, and seek the help of, this brilliant caring man.

The life of Anna can be read in the book 'People Who Shaped Haverfordwest' by historian Mark Muller, published recently by Haverfordwest Civic Society, to mark the 900 year events.

Mark is the author of the two plays which are being produced by Bobby Sheldrake.

The cast have been selected from amongst the premier drama groups of the county under the title The History Players and costumes are being provided by costumier Sophie Dobson. 

In the event of poor weather, the alternative weather will be the nearby St. Martin's Church Hall, Queen's Square.

Tickets, at £5, can be obtained from the Victoria Bookshop, Bridge Street, Haverfordwest, with a limited number on sale at the gate. Seats will be provided.