A drama group would "deerly" love to get hold of a prop to make its new play more authentic.

The Watlington Players are appealing for a stag's head, complete with antlers, for their version of William Shakespeare's play, As You Like It.

"It's exactly 400 years since Shakespeare opened the Globe Theatre with a production of As You Like It," said director Carol Horton.

"In 1598, he proudly shot a stag in Richmond Park which he insisted should be a feature of his new play.

"Each night the increasingly smelly and moth-eaten trophy was dragged on stage by a reluctant troupe.

Shakespeare used a stag's head when he opened the Globe Theatre with the play in 1598.

But current director Carol Horton said: "In 1998 we just can't locate a suitable beast, which could be on a wall somewhere in Oxfordshire."

Anyone who can help Mrs Horton can call her on 01491 612189. The show takes place on the lawns of the Memorial Club in Watlington from July 23 to 26, and tickets, which cost £6 or £4 for concessions, are available from the Paper Shop and the My Office store, both in High Street, Watlington.

This year, the Players are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their re-formation.

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