As part of their next performance in the village, the Abbots Langley Players have been working with The Royal Shakespeare Company.

Professional director and Royal Shakespeare Company theatre practitioner James Farrell came to Abbots Langley recently to visit rehearsals and lend his expertise to the groups production of The Herbal Bed, by Peter Whelan.

The production is part of the Royal Shakespeare's Open Stages project, which celebrates Shakespearean-themed amateur dramatics across the country.

The group is one of fewer than 100 groups across the country chosen to take part in the initiative.

Director of Abbots Langley Players, Colette Holmes, said Mr Farrell's input was invaluable.

She said: "We were really excited to be chosen to take part in this prestigious project, and having a professional coming along to work with us and improve what's already shaping up to be a brilliant production has been fantastic.

"In particular, he was able to give us tips on how to perform better in an outside environment, which will definitely come in handy for this play."

The Herbal Bed will be staged in the grounds of St Lawrence Church in Abbots Langley High Street, with covered seating provided, as well as inside the church.

On Saturday, April 25, from 2pm to 4pm, the group will be holding a community showcase for local groups and societies to present themselves to the community.

To take part email abbotsplayers@gmail.com.