STROUD is to host its first theatre festival this Friday and Saturday.

There will be a diverse programme of shows ranging from a new interpretations of Jane Austen’s classic Sense and Sensibility and Shakespeare’s Macbeth, to cutting edge theatre shows, children’s theatre, cabaret and lively comedies.

Carole Garfield, chairman of In Our Towns, said: "Stroud is well known for its range of festivals and events and this will give everyone the opportunity to celebrate our creativity in a new way - just what the In Our Towns campaign is all about."

The theatre festival is the idea of John Bassett, from Stroud’s own Spaniel in the Works Theatre Company.

He said: “Stroud has a number of diverse festivals from walking to music and nature but the one that was missing was a theatre festival.”

Half of the companies and performers are from Gloucestershire with the rest from all over the country including internationally-acclaimed award winning companies.

The festival, which is also supported by Stroud Town Council and Stroud Arts Festival, will take place at a number of venues in the town - the Sub Rooms, Lansdown Hall, the British School at Star Anise arts cafe and the Alehouse.

Ticket prices are deliberately low at £6 and £4 with a Stroudie Special ticket enabling audiences to see six shows for the price of five.

“There is a diverse range of performances,” said John, “and we hope that there will be something for everyone.”

Performances include: Daylight Theatre - Pirate Plots, lively funny children’s show from Stroud-based company.

Cabaret Freaks – My Freaky Valentine, a spoof show with lots of extremely unhelpful - but funny - dating advice and lively renditions of favourite songs.

Multi Story Theatre – The House That Jack Built, award-winning drama from this leading Devon based company.

Stroud Theatre Company – Macbeth: Alone!, a scintillating new one man production of one of Shakespeare's greatest plays Interwoven Theatre – Antara, visually stunning performance that interweaves dance, physical theatre and poetry to powerful effect.

Second Face Theatre – That Moment, lively and hilarious one woman show from this Bath based company.

Spaniel in the Works Theatre Company – the Fearless Navigator, Stroud-based company present the powerful and remarkable story of Howard Blackburn who sailed across the Atlantic in 1899 despite having lost his fingers to frostbite.

Thrice Three Muses – Sense and Sensibility, new version of Austen’s classic from this Bristol-based company.

White Hippos – The Boy Who Fell In Love With The Stars, charming performance exploring childhood from this Devon-based company.

Worklight Theatre – How To Start A Riot and I Think I’m A Feminist, two highly acclaimed performances from this young Exeter company.

Swithin Fry – Dear Tim: Echoes from Death Row, local writer Swithin’s wry, often humorous, portrayal of the life-changing trip he made to Death Row, in Ohio, to meet his penpal.

Susie Donkin and Pauline Morel – Gloriator, hilarious new show in which two actresses attempt to stage their own version of Gladiator.

NuNu Theatre – Experiment Ionesco, new adaptation of Ionesco's absurdist classic The Chairs looking at futility and despair from this Bristol- based company.

In addition there are special schools performances and a workshop from Gloucestershire company Filskit Theatre.

More details can be found on the festival website www.stroudtheatrefestival.co.uk