AUDITIONS for one of the most exciting new works of indigenous drama to come out of Cornwall take place next month.

Hell Fire Corner - the first play be internationally-acclaimed Cornish novelist D M Thomas - is being staged this spring in a joint production between the Hall for Cornwall and Mundic Nation.

The work weaves a number of powerful themes around the true story of Bert Solomon, the Redruth-born rugby player who, in 1910, scored the winning try for England during the first international match staged at Twickenham.

The co-operative venture behind the play marks an important step forward for the development of theatre in Cornwall and the search is now on to find a cast capable of matching the aspirations of the creative team behind the work. The first auditions take place in London, followed by auditions at the Hall for Cornwall during the week commencing February 16.

Director Marie Macneil, from Mundic Nation, said: "We're delighted by the response from actors, both within Cornwall and out of county, and have identified considerable native talent that's now based in London through the hundreds of CVs that have been sent to us."

She said the casting team would be looking for very specific attributes in the performers. "There is a considerable amount of music and song involved in the play, and we are looking for actors who can recreate our fervent close harmony Cornish singing," she added.

Staged at the Hall for Cornwall, Hell Fire Corner will run over ten days from Thursday April 29 to Saturday May 8, with 12 performances.

Tickets, priced between £7.50 and £13.50, are already on sale - contact the box office on 01872 262466.