The Wells Theatre Festival is just a week away but nerves are firmly under control for two local actors, Beth Millward and Nicola Jenkin, as they prepare to appear in the community production of Shakespeare's romantic Comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

The cast is entirely made up of local residents including Beth Millward and Nicola Jenkin both from Shepton Mallet.

The aim of the community production is to give locals the opportunity to work with professional directors, choreographers and designers and to perform in front of a live audience, for what is for many the first time in their lives.

If that isn't daunting enough, as with last year's production, the play will be performed in front of Wells Cathedral.

Beth (pictured left) appeared as Juliet in last year's sell out performance of Romeo and Juliet. She is now auditioning for drama school and is totally committed to a career as an actor.

Beth, who plays the part of Hero, said: "This has definitely been a challenge because I didn't know anything about Much Ado but the rehearsal process has helped me understand about her background and her character.

"Being part of the festival for a second year has been fantastic and for me, the first performance can't come soon enough."

For Nicola this is her first time performing at the festival. She said: "My character is Ursula, she is both motherly and mischievous in equal measure and I hope I do the Big Bard justice in bring her to life having never acted before.

"I can genuinely say that I have never laughed or learned so much in such a short space of time. Being part of Much Ado has been an absolute joy."

The Wells Theatre Festival runs between 11 and 14 July with 17 different productions of high class professional theatre from visiting theatre companies in venues all over Wells alongside this community production.

For more information and to book visit www.wellstheatrefestival.org. Tickets are also available from Roly's Fudge Shop in Wells High Street.