AFTER his weekend cameo as Constantine The Great at the Roman Festival in York, actor Michael S Bennett will be back in a more familiar guise this month.

His annual show, An Audience With King Richard III, returns to the Theatre Room, Richard III Museum, Monk Bar, York, on August 14 to 16, then August 21 to 23.

"Playing Constantine was a proud moment, though there's no real 'toga versus tights' debate from my point of view," says Michael. "Having struggled a bit with a Roman costume, I'm glad to be back in the Middle Ages."

This summer marks the seventh consecutive year of Bennett's Richard III show. "It was initially intended as a one-off but interest in Richard is far more widespread than I'd anticipated," he says. "I've been invited by the USA-based Richard III Foundation to perform at their symposium next year."

In his most recent engagement as Richard, Bennett appeared at Middleham Castle, Wensleydale, at the town's annual festival.

"Performing at Richard III's childhood home was obviously a high spot, though I always enjoy the York shows, especially when in Monk Bar, in a room built by King Richard himself in 1484," says Michael.

For those unfamiliar with what may well be English history's most famous royal controversy, Richard III is accused of murdering his two nephews, the so-called Princes In The Tower, to secure the throne in 1483.

"Shakespeare's savage portrait did little for his reputation, yet from the 17th century onwards, historians slowly began to suggest that the truth might be far removed from the hunchbacked monster of legend. Even to this day, the debate continues," says Michael.

"Perhaps the demonising of Richard III is one of history's earliest examples of 'spin'."

Tickets are available at £4 for adults, £3 for seniors and students, £2 for children, c/o the Richard III Museum, tel 01904 634191, and at the York Theatre Royal box office, tel 01904 623568. All shows start at 8pm; doors open at 7.45pm; performances last 90 minutes with an interval. Soft drinks are provided and you may bring your own alcohol.

Updated: 09:58 Friday, August 08, 2003