ACTORS from the Royal Shakespeare Company are set to raise the roof in Warrington again when an international tour reaches the town.

The famed RSC is heading to Birchwood Leisure Centre next February as part of a theatrical crusade to bring the Bard's classics to the people.

Last time the Stratford-based company came to the Wire in 1996, their production of A Comedy of Errors resulted in near sell-out crowds at Great Sankey Forum.

And while the on-stage talent starring in two of Shakespeare's most contrasting plays - the Merry Wives of Windsor and political thriller Coriolanus - will steal the show, the behind-the-scenes support itself will be a wonder to behold.

Before the performers take to the stage at the Brock Road centre, the stage, lighting rig and auditorium will have been transported to the site from a previous date at Northallerton in five 45ft-long articulated lorries.

Travelling on board the impressive fleet will be 50 tonnes of equipment, covering everything from the sets and costumes to the seating arrangements.

Rachel Kavanaugh will be directing Merry Wives while David Farr will take the helm for Coriolanus, one of his last roles for the RSC before he takes up a new position as joint artistic director of the Bristol Old Vic.

Taking the lead in Coriolanus, as Caius Martinus, will be Greg Hicks, who will also double up as the French physician in Merry Wives.

Jeremy Adams, the project's administrator, said: "The mobile auditorium tour generates a great deal of excitement and anticipation.

"This year the people will have the opportunity to see one company of actors performing two different plays."