FAMOUS names, backstage secrets and acting tips from some of the best in the world - it's all in an open day at your friendly neighbourhood local internationally famous theatre complex.

The Royal Shakespeare Company is celebrating the Bard's birthday on Sunday, April 24, with an open day running from 10.30am to 5pm.

Vanessa and Corin Redgrave, Patrick Stewart, David Bradley and Samantha Bond are among the better known former and current RSC faces who will be talking about their work within a packed schedule of entertainment, much of which is free, although some special events require tickets which can be paid for in advance.

One of these will have youngsters - of all ages - flooding in to see their heroes and learn more about how they are brought to life.

RSC favourites and Harry Potter stars David Bradley (Filch) and Ray Fearon (Centaur) will be joining CBBC presenter Poi Fan Lee (also Po from the Teletubbies) for a talk about all things magical, from sorcery at the RSC to flying around Hogwarts, called Shakespeare's Wizards.

Patrick Stewart and Samantha Bond will be giving a talk called From Stratford to Hollywood, revealing their journeys from the English countryside to the Hollywood hills while another three of the RSC's most popular actors - Desmond Barrit, David Troughton and Malcolm Storry - 'will be giving the lowdown on their Bottoms!'. They will be talking about the challenge of presenting one of Shakespeare's most memorable clowns - Bottom the weaver in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

RSC honorary director John Barton will be leading a workshop about Shakespeare's text in performance with Vanessa Redgrave and Corin Redgrave, called How Shakespeare Writes for Actors.

There will also be secrets and top tips from some of theatre's greatest experts in their field in various sessions. There will be backstage tours and peeks into the RSC workshops and costume department and those wanting an extra special day out can book a Star Tour when an actor will be the guide for a nose around every corner of the theatre, including star dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, wig and make-up departments, before a tea and cake finale in the Green Room.

At the end of the Open Day, visitors can buy £20 tickets for The Big Party when they can mingle with the stars and enjoy a glass of bubbly, some birthday cake, a fashion show, dancing and fireworks. For a copy of the Open Day leaflet, call 01789 403492 or e-mail info@rsc.org.uk or visit www.rsc.org.uk for all the information online.