Romsey'S award-winning amateur company Raods are hoping for a Royal seal of approval on their next production - A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Shakespeare's most popular romantic comedy will be performed in front of His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex on Tuesday.

The show, which is important not only because of the Royal visitors but also because it marks Raods' 250th production, is being produced and directed by husband and wife team Clive and Lyn Butcher from Romsey.

Lyn has been involved with Raods since she was 14 and has 28 years experience in am dram, though this is her debut directing Shakespeare.

Husband Clive has been a member for 20 years and has produced and directed the Bard's darker work, Macbeth.

The couple chose A Midsummer Night's Dream after falling in love with the play when they both performed in it at Netley Abbey in 1993.

"The show carries the working title Dream among the cast and crew, but there is nothing unreal about the amount of organisation, innovation, dedication and hard work which has gone into the production," says Clive.

"As one of Shakespeare's most famous romantic comedies, it is a magical mix of love and confusion where humans and spirits are drawn together in an enchanted forest."

With original music composed by Ric Bailey it promises to be a magical experience.

10th - 15th November, Plaza Theatre, Romsey. Tickets: from £4. Box office: 01794 512987.