The Wells Theatre Festival has launched a charity auction featuring a limited-edition print signed by Dame Judi Dench.

The print, designed by animator and artist Gary Andrews (@garyscribbler), promotes the Festival's upcoming production of Macbeth, running from 20-23 June at the Bishop's Palace.

Gary Andrews has generously decided to donate 50% of the auction proceeds to the UK Sepsis Trust. Gary tragically lost his first wife, Joy, to sepsis in 2017, leaving him with two small children.

Reflecting on his connection to theatre and its role in his healing process, Gary said: "Joy and I met through theatre and fell in love during a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. During our 19 years together, our love of theatre, and Shakespeare in particular, was a strong, binding part of our relationship. After her death, I was worried that my love for theatre and Shakespeare would be tarnished, that it would remind me of her absence – but the opposite has been true. The community that theatre brings has helped hugely in both my own and my children's healing process. I am delighted that I am able to help support both community theatre and the UK Sepsis Trust with this auction."

Those interested in owning this special print and supporting the Wells Theatre Festival and the UK Sepsis Trust can place their bids at GalaBid.

The remaining proceeds will support the Wells Theatre Festival, a not-for-profit organisation. Please note, there is a bidding fee of 1.5% + 20p on the highest bid.

Tickets for the Wells Theatre Festival are available from 31 March at Wells Theatre Festival, where you can also find more information about the festival programme.