A GROUP of actors are banding together to pay their own special tribute to the Bard - to mark the 400th anniversary of his death.

Dorset’s actors union general branch will perform The Bard’s Best Bits this Sunday at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis.

Branch secretary Chris Gallarus - who is set to appear in the new season of Poldark - said it’s an ‘unheard of event and another first for Dorset’.

He added: “It is 400 years since Shakespeare died and yet his vocabulary, phrases and stories are part of our lives today. Even if you hated Shakespeare at school, you can’t escape him.”

“And you will love the way this show is put together to make his work entertaining and exciting.”

But how do you put all of Shakespeare’s work into one play? Chris said it’s simple.

“Take seven professional actors, an opera singer and a cabaret star and the whole canon of Shakespeare’s work and choose The Bard’s Best Bits.

“Put these together in new and exciting ways and discover the vibrant modern imagery in his work.

“Shakespeare is very much alive and members of Dorset Equity Branch present a fresh way of exploring his ideas on such themes as war, women, love, tragedy and comedy. All in his own words using a cross-section of his plays with a dash of songs and humour.”

He added: “It’s great entertainment for all. Enjoy well-loved work performed by professionals and discover some pieces you may not know. Even if you didn’t like Shakespeare at school, you will love this entertaining show.”

The performance is at 5pm and tickets cost £10. and are available from the Lyme Regis Tourist Office or by calling 01297 480970.

Events are taking place across the country this year to mark the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death.

Shakespeare400 is a consortium of cultural, creative and educational organisations co-ordinated by King’s College London which aims to celebrate his legacy.

Performances, exhibitions, programmes and more will be taking place in London and across the UK.

Visit www.shakespeare400.org for more details.