ALCESTER is to host the world premiere of a new play as part of a festival that celebrates the life of one of its Tudor forefathers.

Greville’s End, directed by James Rastall, will receive its first showing on September 29, as part of the Fulke Greville Festival.

This play is set around the life, patronage and murder of Sir Fulke Greville, a statesman, politician and poet who was born in Alcester in 1554 and become the saviour of Warwick Castle in the early 1600s.

It brings to life the relationship between Greville and composer, Martin Peerson, who created a significant set of music to Sir Fulke’s sonnets.

The play will be a part of a ‘Songs & Sonnets’ event which also features Greville’s own music and poetry.

Lise Evans, festival co-organiser, said: “We are thrilled that this new play will be premiered in Alcester and will form part of our festival.

"It is entirely fitting that a play about the life of Sir Fulke should be put on in his home town and in the church where his ancestors lie. He is after all one of Alcester’s most famous yet forgotten sons.”

The Sonnet & Songs event, which includes the performance of the play, is on Saturday, September 29 at St Nicholas’ Church Alcester.

Tickets costs £10 and can be purchased via fulkefest.org.uk.