IF YOU'RE an aspiring actor or interested in stage production - King Alfred's, Basingstoke, is looking for you!

Auditions are due to take place on January 24 for an exciting open-air production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, to be held in the grounds of Farleigh House at Farleigh Wallop between June 21 and 26.

This community production will be a major part of the opening season of cultural events for King Alfred's, Basingstoke.

It will be led by a professional team and presented by King Alfred's in collaboration with The Anvil and Proteus Theatre Company.

Production director Paul Chamberlain said: "This is a fantastic opportunity. Open-air Shakespeare has never been staged at Farleigh House before. It is a magical environment, entirely suited to Shakespeare's great play.

"We're looking for committed actors, but not necessarily those with previous experience."

Auditions are open to all - the only stipulation is that participants must have been over 16 years of age on September 1, 2003.

There will be some rehearsals for those cast in principal roles from early February, but intensive rehearsals will start after Easter at evenings and weekends.

All rehearsals will be in Basingstoke.

Anyone interested should apply for an audition pack from King Alfred's, Basingstoke, at Chute House, Church Street, Basingstoke, by logging on to www.kingalfredsbasingstoke.ac.uk or by ringing 0870 357 8500.