HEARD the one about the Princess who married an ape?

If you venture into Williamson's Park this summer to see the Dukes' adaptation of the classic Arabian Nights - all will be magically revealed.

But, be warned, the tale of the groom who breaks wind at his own wedding could leave your belly aching with laughter.

Writer Les Smith has plundered the treasure trove of tales from the Middle East to whisk the audience off on a magic carpet ride to the mysterious realm of Queen Sharazad as she awaits her own execution.

To save herself, she must enchant those before her with stories and so begins the tales of Arabian Nights.

"It's such a fantastic premise on which to base a play - a queen telling stories to save her own life," said Les, who experienced Arabic storytelling first hand during two years teaching in Sudan.

"They are marvellous stories from magical realms to earthy bazaars, sometimes erotic, sometimes puritanical, tragic and yet hugely comic - they have it all. There were lots of stories to choose from and I went for my favourites plus those which were best suited to the park. Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is difficult to do with a cast of seven but Sinbad the Sailor features in a couple of the stories. We've thrown everything in to bring them to life - from 12 foot sharks and scorpions to an all-out battle scene - the action will be take place within the audience, around them and above them. It's going to be full of colour and music, it should be spectacular."

The famously versatile Dukes cast will be singing, dancing, working puppets, playing bizarre Middle Eastern instruments and cracking jokes in between the acting bit! And the hauntingly authentic music has been specially composed for the Dukes by world music pioneer Keith Morris.

"It's the first time I've adapted these tales and I'm really looking forward to seeing this production," added Les, "Kids will love it and there's plenty in there for the adults to enjoy. When the cast read the script they were falling about laughing!"

For tickets call the Dukes box office on 66645.