A DOUBLE 50th anniversary celebration for the Broughton Players and Preston Playhouse is set to be marked with a special production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

Their joint history stretches back to 1978 when the Players started performing regularly at the venue. Before then all major productions were put on at Broughton Parish Hall.

The society can boast at least one famous former Broughton Player over the last half century - Coronation Street Star Roy Barraclough who plays Alec Gilroy.

The theatre in Market West, bought in 1946, began life as a chapel. Preston Council recently donated £1,500 to install an audio-loop for the hard of hearing.

David Colley, Vice Chairman of The Broughton Players, explained why they had chosen Twelfth Night to mark the occasion: "We thought it would be great to do a really well known play for the anniversary show."

The play runs from May 1-4, with the curtain rising at 7.30pm and tickets are priced £3.50. To book call 717410.

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