JULY 5 - 10 2004, BOX: Two great leaders join forces in a bid to rid a country of a tyrannical ruler only to find that having done the deed, their troubles are only just beginning.

Bush and Blair? No, not this time. Cast your imagination back 2048 years to a time when Rome ruled the known civilised world.

Civilised? They had education, technology and society but political matters were settled with all the subtlety of the barbarian.

Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome saw the end of his career in the blood-soaked hands of friend and foe alike.

One friend remained true and Mark Antony, by his skilful oratory "Friends, Romans, countrymen " caused the people to rise up and oust the arch conspirators, Brutus and Cassius, from the capital.

Following a brief military campaign Octavius Caesar, the rightful heir to the emperor's throne, was reinstated and the ambitions of the usurpers came to nothing.

William Shakespeare captures this story of love, envy, betrayal and loyalty with his trademark lyricism, strong characterisation and gripping story telling.

Local drama group, Shakespeare Live, brings Julius Caesar to life at Hazelbury Manor, Box, near Bath, from July 5 to 10. Call the box office on (01980) 622291 for tickets.

Shakespeare Live was founded in 1989 for an annual open air Shakespearean performance to raise money for charity. Last year it raised £6,000, shared between four local charities.

The audience is invited to picnic in the beautiful grounds of Hazelbury Manor before the performance.

Seating is provided in a covered stand and the company's proud boast is that the show goes on whatever the weather.