FECKENHAM'S St John the Baptist Church is the apt setting for a production of T S Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral next month.

The church's vicar, The Rev Alistair Fuller, is playing the part of Thomas Becket and the rest of the cast is drawn from experienced actors in Feckenham.

Spokesperson Frances Andrews explained: "Since the church would have been standing in some form at the time of the event on December 29, 1170, it will provide a magnificent backdrop for the play."

She added: "This will be a whole village affair, encompassing the many skills our residents possess - from broadsword making to painting medieval banners.

"Musical directors John Calvert and Clare Furey have put together an eclectic score which not only reflects the period of the action but draws on more modern music to underline the fact the play was written in the 1930s."

The production, which is recommended for ages 14 and over, takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 4, 5 and 6 at 7.30pm and proceeds will go to maintaining the church.

Tickets, priced £5 are available from John and Elizabeth Nixon on 544836.