TO BE or not to be, that is the question ... and another is will Leyland's Worden Park become a shrine to Shakespeare?

For the C'est Tous Youth Theatre Company based at Marsden Theatre in the park is strengthening its bonds with the Bard.

The playwright is said to have based Molvolio from Twelfth Night on William Farrington whose family owned Worden Park in the 16th century when Shakespeare visited. The Bard formed a picture of the evil Molvolio from Farrington's big beard, high cheek bones and cold look.

Now Christine and Marcus Appleby who run the group want to make the most of the links to create 'another Stratford'.

Marcus said: "We want to train young actors from scratch to the highest standards. There is a lot of talent here. Many of our young members work with our professional company which attracts nationwide audiences."

The group will be relaunched as the South Ribble Youth Theatre in December as the council becomes more involved in encouraging youngsters to take to the stage.

Other plans include performing in South Ribble's twin town in Germany and putting on an open air production in Worden Park about the Farrington family. Paul Callander, South Ribble Council's leisure services manager, said: "We can apply for outside funds, work more with schools and the National Curriculum, and create a strong identity for the borough."

The next production from C'est Tous is The Tempest from September 30 for a fortnight. For details telephone 431300.

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