Southampton University Players are hoping to whisk audiences back 500 years in time with their latest production.

The group are performing Shakespeare's bawdy comedy - The Merry Wives of Windsor - and are setting it in its traditional time. Not only will the costumes be of the Elizabethan era, but also the set is built to reflect this time.

Director Margaret Sargeant explains: "I strongly believe Shakespeare should be set in the era it was written and we are hoping to give audiences a taste of what going to the theatre 500 years ago was like. There is minimal use of lighting and our staging is as near as we can make it to a traditional Shakespearean show."

The Merry Wives of Windsor was a hit with audiences when it was first written and Southampton University Players hope it will maintain its appeal with modern theatre-goers.

"It is a romp from beginning to end with deception, marital confusion, hiding in cupboards and mistaken identity - perfect for beating the winter blues," says Margaret, a former English teacher in Sholing.

An am-dram enthusiast for over 30 years, Margaret was determined to direct Merry Wives after acting in it 27 years ago. Her nine-year old daughter Jane Beesley was also in that production and played a fairy. Now Jane, 36, takes a lead role as Mistress Page.

20 - 24 January, Nuffield Theatre, Southampton. Tickets: £9.Box office: 023 8067 1771.