ROYAL Shakespeare Company actor Samuel West is embarking on an unusual project which is sure to become one of the highlights of this year's fringe festival.

West, currently playing Richard II at The Other Place, is undertaking the mammoth task of directing Hamlet in just two weeks.

His efforts can be admired during the RSC Fringe Festival, which will run from September 11 to 24 at The Other Place in Waterside, Stratford.

It is the 10th annual festival and includes comedy, new writing, play readings of unseen classics, devised work, concerts and short plays.

This year's two week festival will see more than 40 actors, stage managers, musicians and directors from the summer 2000 season producing, directing and performing in more than 20 fringe events.

The annual RSC Fringe is both a showcase for the talent which exists in each RSC company and is an opportunity for all the actors in the company to present their own pieces of work.

This year the rich mixture of events includes short plays, concerts, one man shows, one woman shows and a "one man pretending to be a woman" show.

For details of this year's fringe and details on how to book contact the RSC information line on 01789 403440.