ART, one of the most successful plays in British theatre history, is coming to Winchester's Theatre Royal.

The production stars Peak Practice star Simon Shepherd in the role of Serge.

Simon is also directing the production and is joined by Michael Garner and Russell Boulter.

This award winning comedy by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton, opens at Theatre Royal Winchester on May. 31

When Art opened in London it took the West End by storm winning both the London Evening Standard Award for Best Play and the Olivier Award for Best Comedy having received the most nominations ever for a play.

Two years later, Art opened in the US winning a coveted Tony Award for Best Play before going on to become the most successful play in Broadway history.

Sir Sean Connery's wife first saw Art in Paris. She persuaded Sean to see it and he was so bowled over by it that he decided to work with David Pugh and co-produce a production.

The rest is theatre history and over the past seven years Art has delighted audiences throughout the world. What began as a play has become a phenomenon.

Simon Shepherd is probably best known as Dr Will Preston in Peak Practice. His stage credits include Art and The Play What I Wrote, both in the West End.

Michael Garner is best known from his long running role as Geoff Pearce in London's Burning. He has recently finished filming Down to Earth for the BBC. Russell Boulter's numerous credits include his role as DC Bolton in The Bill and regular appearances on Casualty and Merseybeat.

Art is at the Theatre Royal Winchester from May 31. For ticket information contact 01962 840440.