The Tragicall History of Dr Faustus

Third Party, the unique Hastings-based touring company specialising in Elizabethan and Jacobean plays, bring The Tragicall History of Doctor Faustus - A Damned Fine Play - all in the words of Christopher Marlowe (although not necessarily in the right order) to the Rondo Theatre on Wednesday April 30.

Originally developed in 2006 with support from the Arts Council and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, this highly entertaining version of the Marlowe play featuring Faustus, Lucifer and Mephistopholis is fast moving and full of surprises.

Actor/managers Nicholas Collett and Anthony Gleave are quick to point out, however, that they do not ignore or step aside from either Marlowe's language or structure, nor do they seek to debunk the play.

Their version moves through the full arc of the story, which contains some of the most popular dramatic verse ever written, accompanied by some splendid comedy and shot through with popular forms: live music, dance, ventriloquism and a touch of magic.

Nicholas Collett trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School where he won the Newton Blick Comedy Prize. For the RSC he has performed Snug in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Gaoler in The Winter's Tale, as well as national touring, repertory, radio and television. He is a founder member of Third Party.

Anthony Gleave, also a founder member of Third Party, has performed in and lit all of the company's work.

Shelley Atkinson makes her Third Party debut with The Tragicall History of Dr. Faustus.

John Wright is a multi-award winning theatre director. For Third Party John has directed Hamlet, The Changeling, Richard III - To Hell on a Handcart and Dr Faustus. He has worked with the company since 1998.

Tickets from Bath Festivals Box Office on (01225) 463362 or visit www.bathfestivals.org.uk