Coronation Street star among cast in Stafford Fesitval Shakespeare's The Tempest

Also joining him as part of the cast set to perform The Tempest at Stafford Castle will be 'Allo, 'Allo!'s Richard Gibson and BBC's The Hour's Zephryn Taitte.

This production of the Shakespeare classic will be set against the backdrop of the 1930s - all from a small Italian-occupied island off the coast of Somalia.

The annual festival will this year run from June 22 to July 8.

Stephen Beckett, known for his roles in The Bill and Coronation Street, will take on the role of Prospero - the rightful Duke of Milan, a sorcerer and the father of Miranda.

Richard Gibson, meanwhile, will play Gonzalo - a trusted advisor to King Alonso of Naples - while Zephryn will adopt the character of Caliban.

Main role Miranda will be taken on by festival newcomer Grace Carter, who has starred in acclaimed productions of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and All My Sons.

Others making up the cast include stars from last year's festival Maisey Bawden (as Adriana), Johnathan Charles (as Stephano), James Hornsby (as Trinculo), Morgan Philpott (as Antonio) and Gavin Swift (as Ariel).

Speaking ahead of the event, producer Derek Gask said the show is set to be 'incredible'.

"We are all excited to be working with such an amazing cast of actors, many of whom audiences will recognise from their previous work in film, theatre and television.

"Tickets are selling fast so I would encourage everyone who hasn’t got theirs yet to do so, in order to avoid disappointment."

Joining the cast will be the creative team behind last year’s acclaimed production of Othello – director Clare Prenton, music director Craig Adams and production designer Frances Collier.

Tickets start from £13.50.

For full information, including this year’s catering options, call the box office on 01785 619080 or visit www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.com