THE fifth Shakespearean Week, announced with some pride by the Malvern News 100 years ago, was deemed to be "the most varied ever presented in the county of Worcester".

To be held at the Assembly Rooms, it would feature eight of the Bard's plays, plus Sheridan's The School For Scandal, with matinee and evening performances.

"As there are very convenient trains, lovers and students of the drama living in any part of the county will be able to attend these matinees.

"The late train to Worcester after each evening performance has again been arranged, and there will be late trains to Colwall and Ledbury on Thursday and Saturday."

For those not interested in theatre, Malvern offered plenty of other diversions.

Members of St Andrew's Gymnastic Club gave a display of their skills at the Drill Hall.

"Major Gosling presided over a large and appreciative audience, showing that the public are fully aware of the advantages to be derived from these exercises," said the newspaper.

At the Belle Vue Hotel, a special exhibition billiards match was held between Master Tom Tothill, the "boy champion" from Bury, and the hotel's own W Smith.

The fifteen-year-old lad, who the previous year won the Boy Championship Competition in London, beat the local player in both afternoon and evening matches, and was described as having a "splendid style, is never flustered and faces all difficulties in the style of a master".

Meanwhile, Owen Moran, Malvern College's boxing instructor, declared his intention of visiting the USA, as he could find no opponents his own weight in England.

"He will be prepared to box anyone in America at 116lb for the bantamweight championship of the world."