From English Village Policeman to The Merchant of Venice.

From English Village Policeman to The Merchant of Venice. That’s the major change of role and style for actor David Sayers who will play Shylock in Illyria’s open air production of one of Shakespeare’s most gripping plays at Lytham Hall next Sunday 8 July.

David’s last appearance at Lytham Hall with Illyria was as Constable Enoch Samways in Danny, Champion of the World of the World which drew a record crowd on Bank Holiday Sunday in August 2016.

David who trained at The Poor School of Acting in London has played in works as diverse as Ibsen, Alan Ayckbourn and David Mamet in a stage, film and radio career approaching 20 years. His roles have included Colonel Pickering in Pygmalion, Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Athos in The Three Musketeers.

He is enjoying the challenge of playing Shylock in Oliver Gray’s production which opened in Somerset two weeks ago.

“Our three month tour has started well and the glorious weather has of course helped to swell attendances. The cast of five, in true open air style, are playing seventeen roles between them and the response from our audiences has been very heartening. I am looking forward to being at Lytham Hall once again”

Julian Wilde, organiser of the open air season at Lytham Hall feels that it is the versatility of Illyria’s actors which makes them such an impressive company.

“The quality of the acting, the skilled doubling up and the respect for the text are the hallmarks of all Illyria’s Shakespeare productions and I am confident that David Sayers and his cast will produce a memorable evening once more at Lytham Hall next Sunday.”

24 hour on line booking at www.illyria.co.uk www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk Tickets and details from Lytham Hall www.lythamhall.org.uk 01 253 736652