THEATREGOERS are in for a rare treat this Spring with a chance to sample Elizabethan theatre in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

The Burley Millennium Theatre Group is to present the unique burlesque The Knight of the Burning Pestle in April.

Billed as a Renaissance Revel, the play was written around 1607 by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher and was first put on at the Blackfriars' Theatre, London, shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth.

A play within a play, The London Merchant is rudely interrupted by a grocer and his wife.

The play continues, but Rafe the apprentice - the Knight - has his own series of adventures. Damsels are rescued, duels are fought and soldiers mustered at Mile End.

There are great similarities with the mechanics in Midsummer's Night Dream and the platoon in Dad's Army. Fortunately, all ends happily, Jasper gets his Lucy, the Knight triumphs and all assembled dance a jig to celebrate.

The Queen's Hall will be transformed for the show and will feature an Elizabethan thrust stage, pillars will support the

'heavens' and there will be jugglers,

orange sellers, madrigal singers and swordsmen.

Fine ale and wine will refresh the groundlings and a good time is promised for all!

l The show will take place from Thursday, April 25, to Saturday, April 27, at the Queens Hall, Burley.

Tickets will be available nearer the time at The Corner Shop, Burley, or by telephoning (01943) 862372.