HOLY Trinity Church was brought to life in style on Tuesday night when members of the Millennium Production Company gathered for the opening night of Beckett, a play specially staged for the millennium celebrations.

The play begins with what appears to be a regretful King Henry II, weeping over the tomb of the brutally murdered Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett, knowing full well he has blood on his hands.

We are then taken through the past and see how their relationship evolves. Peter Cubitt, as the king, puts in a scintillating, emotional performance.

Roy Cane brilliantly captures the divine devotion of the archbishop.

The two friends are head and shoulders above any amateur performance seen in Stratford for some time and managed to stop the audience feeling the effects of the dreadfully uncomfortable seats.

They also managed to keep everyone interested enough to sit through the prolonged scenery changes. VM