A BIRMINGHAM boy who went on to become an actor is due to return to Worcester's Huntingdon Hall to perform with the Mellstock Band.

Charles Spicer's career diverged into performing 19th Century village music after he achieved notable success in treading the boards with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.

Without planning, he said he began to perform musically more often than dramatically, and in 2002 helped form the Mellstock Band, who include songs, readings and storytelling to depict the works and times of Thomas Hardy.

As well as returning to the West Midlands regularly to perform with the band, Mr Spicer was last year invited to act as a folk mentor in Huntingdon Hall's Passing Notes scheme, for which he encourages and advises young, up and coming flautist, Max Gittings.

For the concert at 8pm on Friday, the band will premiere a new set.

Tickets from 01905 23428.