AN ambitious project to stage a new play by a local writer and academic is being launched this weekend.

The play, Assumption Eve, is the work of Michael Thomas, a former head of English at Malvern Girls' College, now a lecturer at Birmingham University and the Open University.

Set in the early years of the 13th Century, in locations around Worcester and Tewkesbury, the story owes its origins to the myths and legends surrounding St Wulsan or Wulfstan, foun-der of Worcester Cathedral.

The play tells the story of freeman Thomas of Eldersfield, and the grim consequences of his affair with the wife of local nobleman Lord Robert of Northway.

Hoping to stage the play is John Colley, another former master at Malvern Girls' College, who has already produced plays for the Worcester festival with his Ad Hoc Theatre Company.

In recent years these have included Our Lady's Tumbler and Abelard and Heloise, and, in this year's festival, Duet For One.

"Assumption Eve is rather larger and the first stage is to see whether it is viable," said Mr Colley.

He has arranged a meeting this weekend in which prospective cast members can come along and take part in a reading.

The meeting is on Sunday, February 20, at the girls' college in Avenue Road, starting at 2pm.

As well as cast members, Mr Colley is also looking for someone to become the director, since he envisages his own role as being the producer. This will include looking for sponsorship.

He hopes the play can be staged in August 2006 in a venue such as Malvern's Forum or the Swan Theatre in Worcester. It could also visit theatres in smaller towns such as Bromyard and Ledbury.