THE Royal Shakespeare Company is giving everyone the opportunity to discover more about the work that goes into making its productions come to life.

On five consecutive Saturdays beginning this weekend, members of the RSC's wigs, make-up, costume and props teams will reveal the tricks of their trade in a series of practical sessions, especially suitable for families.

Under the title of Gallery Active, these workshops will be hands-on. Participants will be able to taste some of the fake blood used during the gorier battles, learn how to create an authentic looking black eye, try on a costume or two (or maybe even a corset), see how a new costume can be made to look old, and find out how stage props are not always what they might seem.

Deb Kenton from the RSC's wigs and make-up department said: "We're aiming to make the Gallery Active events really good fun.

"As well as finding out a little bit more about the history of stage costumes, props, make-up and wigs, there will be lots of things to do, try on and, if you fancy sampling stage blood, even taste!

"For anyone who's ever wondered how things work behind the scenes, it's not to be missed."

Gallery Active takes place in the Swan Theatre's gallery area. There are two sessions every Saturday (January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4), running between 11-11.45am, and noon-12.45pm.

Spaces are limited to 30 places at each session. Tickets cost £3 per person or £5 for a family ticket (up to two adults and four children), and can be booked on 01789 403492.