THE ACCLAIMED Festival Players are bringing their production of Shakes-peare’s Richard III to two Gwent festivals.

On Tuesday, July 10, at 7.30pm, the company will make their debut at Chepstow Castle, as part of the four-week Chepstow Festival.

On Friday, July 13, also at 7.30pm, they will play at Caerleon’s Roman Amphitheatre, as part of the Caerleon Festival.

David Lee-Jones, in the title role, is believed to be the first British-Chinese actor to take on the mantle of one of Shakespeare’s most famous villains.

In his play, the Bard crafted a Machiavellian character of gargantuan ego and ambition: Richard Duke of Gloucester, who will stop at nothing to gain the crown.

Advance tickets for Chepstow are available from Chepstow Museum on 01291 625981, £12.50 adults, £8 concessions and £38 for a family ticket. On the night £14.50 adults, £10 concessions, £42 family ticket.

Tickets for Caerleon cost £12 for adults, £8 concessions and £30 for a family ticket – available from Caerleon Tourism Office (01633 422656), Rafi Goldsmith, The Ffwrwm (01633 430271), www.caerleon-arts.org or on the door if not sold out.