A ONE-WOMAN play which received its world premiere at Worcester’s Swan Theatre is to be given two special performances at The Commandery in the city.

The Second Best Bed by Avril Rowlands centres on Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway, on the night of his funeral and delves into the untold secrets of the son of Stratford’s work.

The play is performed by actress Liz Grand, who said: “To perform a world premiere of a play such as this is a great privilege.

“But to be able to perform the show in a venue such as The Commandery’s Great Hall is an experience that neither the audience nor myself will forget.

“The natural ambience of the Great Hall is incredibly powerful and lends itself perfectly to the play.”

Following the two performances at The Commandery, the Worcester Repertory Company is planning a tour of the production.

Director Chris Jaeger, the rep’s artistic director, said: “The arts in Worcester is going from strength to strength.

“Not only have we been able to reform the Worcester Repertory Company but we’ve also been able to mount this world premiere which is now going to go further afield taking not only the play but the name of the Worcester Rep with it.”

The Second Best Bed will be at The Commandery on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 21 and 22, at 7pm.

Tickets cost £9.95 from the box office on 01905 611427 or alternatively go online at worcesterfestival.co.uk.