MACBETH, Hamlet and Othello will join a cast of hundreds at Oxford Castle for a public performance of every single Shakespeare play in just one day.

Creation Theatre Company is looking for volunteers to help read parts of the 37 plays as it hopes to raise funds to ensure its survival.

The open-air company, which specialises in the Bard’s work, has suffered the ill effects of two wet summers in a row.

The plays will be staged throughout the castle complex, off New Street, from 9am next Saturday, with many performances taking place simultaneously.

Shakespeare devotees or curious passers-by with no acting experience will be encouraged to take part. Creation hopes volunteers will gain sponsorship or make donations.

Organiser Kate Brennan said: “The idea came from David Parrish, our artistic and executive director.

“We do a lot of Shakespeare works and it’s a fun way of raising money to ensure we can continue to do justice to his scripts.We have had a lot of very generous donations for our fundraising which has all helped, and we are not in danger of closing imminently.

“But we still need to raise funds to protect our future as we are not quite out of the woods yet.”

Miss Brennan added: “We’re confident it will be a busy, but successful day.

“We’ve had a lot of interest so far, although we still need people to join us as there are thousands of characters.

“Anyone coming down can sure of an entertaining day.”

Nicola West, Creation’s producer and operations manager, said: “Up to six Shakespearean masterpieces will be being read at the same time, starting at 9am and finishing when the final ‘Exeunt All’ has been reached.”

l To volunteer as a performer or to give a donation or sponsorship contact Creation Theatre Company on 01865 761393.

tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk