THE Tempest is set to go down a storm at The Huntingdon Hall in Worcester.

It will be the first time ever that a play has been staged at the former Methodist Chapel, in more than two centuries, although it is a well-known and much-loved venue for music.

Shakespeare’s haunting classic, possibly the last he penned entirely by himself, will be brought to the boards by The Worcester Repertory Company, this September.

It’s a bit of a change of venue for the Worcester Rep, who usually stage their plays at The Swan.

But Ben Humphrey, acting Artistic Director of the Worcester Repertory Company and director of The Tempest, said “I think that once people see a venue as one thing it is difficult to get out of that habit. “There’s been a lack of imagination when it comes to the Huntingdon Hall and the truth of the matter is that it is one of the most fabulous spaces that Worcestershire has to offer.”

He added: “This production will be unlike anything that anyone has seen there before. You can’t see this anywhere else. It’s not on tour and it’s not going to be transferred. That’s the brilliant thing about regional theatre - it is unique.”

Betrayal, revenge, forgiveness, magic and romance intertwine in one of Shakespeare’s best-loved works.

The Huntingdon Hall was built in 1773 and originally served Worcester as a Methodist Chapel.

In the early 1960s the building was deconsecrated and subsequently fell into disrepair, only to be restored twenty years later.

Ben said: “This Grade II* listed building has a rather different purpose now, hosting live music, comedy and spoken word.

“For the first time ever in its history, Huntingdon Hall will be adapted to host a theatrical production this autumn.”

The Tempest runs from Tuesday September 24 to Saturday September 28, at the Huntingdon Hall.

Tickets are available through the Worcester Live Box Office on 01905 611427 or via www.worcesterlive.co.uk