THE last knight in La Mancha, Don Quixote, is riding into the Cheltenham Everyman's Other Space studio this week.

This new production - by Minchinhampton's Theatre Without Walls - has been specially commissioned to celebrate Don Quixote's 400th Anniversary.

Don Quixote is so obsessed with romantic tales of chivalry that he decides to become a knight - not least to impress a peasant girl whom he imagines to be the beautiful maiden Dulcinea.

He convinces his long suffering squire Sancho Panza to join him on numerous adventures which often cause more harm than good in spite of his noble intentions.

Productions relating to Don Quixote have a long-held suspicion attached to them.

There have been several films, each apparently cursed.

"Before the show's preview we were rehearsing the sword fight in one of the actor's gardens", said cast member Genevieve Swift.

"Unfortunately his cat took exception to its owner being set-upon and leapt to his defence.

"While the pet's victim was trying to remove the animal from about his person he managed to stab himself with the sword.

"But in true theatrical style the show went on and we now always rehearse in a feline-free environment."

The show runs from Wednesday, February 1 to Friday, February 3. Tickets, which cost £7.50, are available from the box office.