TWO of Shakespeare's most haphazard, half-written characters are set to appear at Hereford's Courtyard Theatre.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, written by Sir Tom Stoppard, follows two minor characters from Hamlet, on a journey to bring Hamlet back to England for execution. Things never quite work out how they planned in this comedy being performed by the Courtyard's Senior Youth Theatre.

Director Estelle van Warmelo said: "Stoppard's characteristic use of hilarious word-play really gives the actors something to sink their teeth into.

"If rehearsals are anything to go by, this should be a hoot." The play will be performed in from Tuesday, July 25 to Saturday, 29.

For tickets, priced between £6 and £8, call the box office on 0870 11 22 330.