IMAGINE having the leading part in a play which depicts someone's life, and then having to perform in front of them.

Pretty daunting wouldn't you say? Always wondering if you managed to capture their emotions at a certain time, or whether you've convinced them you really understand how they felt at any one moment in time.

Well, it's something Amy Shindler has to come to terms with as she takes a leading role in the pioneering Worcester Century Plays, being shown at the Swan Theatre.

The 25-year-old, better known to many as Brenda Tucker on Radio Four's The Archers, has taken on the roles of three Worcester women in the two-part play but has never been to the Faithful City before.

It's going to be a real challenge, she says.

I'm going to have to play Worcestershire women in front of Worcestershire people, so they will know if I haven't got it right.

But the London-based actress is making sure she gets it right. Although she is convinced playing The Archers' roving reporter for the last two years has helped her get a feel for rural life, she has taken lessons to ensure she gets the county's accent just right.

However, this is difficult in itself, because the play written by three city-based writers follows the changes in Worcester people's attitudes and, of course, their accents.

This is about ordinary Worcester people and how the changes in the world and society change them, added Amy.

Audiences can follow the main characters as they grow and see how their attitudes change.

The play looks at the family during the First World War, the end of the Second World War, during the moon landing of 1969 and the millennium celebrations. With a mixture of professional and amateur actors, and music and dance the actress said she was confident audiences would enjoy the play.

It is a great play, she added.

There is a lot of emotion but also lighter-hearted moments.

For more information on the plays contact the theatre's box office on 01905 27322.