THE notorious Scottish Play' - Macbeth - is Bournemouth Shakespeare Players choice for their thirtieth annual production, which will be staged in the Priory House Gardens in Christchurch in July.

Over the years the company, which will be holding auditions next week, has presented everything from bright comedies and educational histories to handkerchief wetting tragedies.

Following the success of last year's production (despite the atrocious weather!) of Twelfth Night, they are tackling the notorious Macbeth - a play filled with superstition and witchcraft.

Many actors still refuse to refer to it by name because its production history is littered with inexplicable stories of accidents and bad luck.

Nevertheless, Macbeth's dark brilliance has ensured that it has remained popular ever since it was first staged at London's Globe Theatre in 1606.

Actors of every generation have relished appearing in this most powerful of plays. Among the great names to have appeared in Macbeth are Laurence Olivier (pictured) and Vivien Leigh, Sir Ian McKellen and the Players' own president Dame Judi Dench.

Auditions for the forthcoming BSP outdoor production, which will be staged at the Priory House Gardens from July 15-26, will be held on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 January at St Joseph's Hall, on the corner of Archway Road and Bournemouth Road, Parkstone, Poole at 7.45pm.

All parts are available to audition and backstage help is also needed with props, costumes and set building. The company says that everyone is welcome to audition even if they have never done any Shakespeare before.

For further information call (01202) 534776 or email at bsp75@btinternet.com.