MURDER, censorship, taxation and conspiracy are just some of the elements that make up a controversial unattributed play at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon tomorrow (Friday).

Thomas of Woodstock (or Richard II, part 1) tells the story of the youngest uncle of Richard II - Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester - who is murdered onstage while penning his defence against the judicial request of Richard II's government, which seeks his life for supposed crimes against the state.

It is Woodstock's death which leads to the feuds in Shakespeare's Richard II, and sets off the chain of events that spans the eight history plays making up the RSC's This England - The Histories.

The reading begins at 1.30pm and tickets cost £4.50 (£2.50 concessions). For more information, contact the RSC information line on 01789 403440. Tickets can be booked through the RSC box office on 01789 403403.