THE curtain is set to rise on an ambitious York project to stage every one of William Shakespeare's plays.

The York Shakespeare Project is a ground-breaking plan to perform all 37 of the Bard's works in city centre venues over the next 20 years, with education and community workshops running alongside.

The project has battled back from a crisis when original director Ben Naylor left in January, and will open with the bloodthirsty drama of Richard III at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, in Haxby Road, York, on Wednesday.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor David Horton, will be among the guests of honour at the opening night.

Producer and project executive member Lee Maloney said: "John White, our new director and a former Royal Shakespeare Company actor, has brought the best out of a very talented cast, including Alan Booty, who will be a terrific Richard. He will be supported by some tremendous performances.

"Back stage has been equally brilliant.

"Also Michael Wall has designed and been master builder of a set which is good enough for a West End theatre."

He also praised musical director Paul Toy, and 14-year-old Archbishop Holgate's School pupil Jessica King for their work in producing an authentic score.

He also said the project was doing the groundwork for the second production, The Taming Of The Shrew.

This will be performed next June at the same theatre.

The team is currently looking for a director and producer.

"We are looking for local people for these roles as they will have a sense of the community."

Chairman Alan Lyons said: "We have overcome our problems and come out stronger.

"We had to continue, for the cast as much as anything else."

About 60 people have been involved in the staging of Richard III, which tells of the murderous Duke of Gloucester and his ascent to the throne of England.

It should be noted that Shakespeare's version of events is widely disputed, particularly in York, with many claiming that it was his attempt to "kow-tow" to his monarch, Elizabeth I.

But literary critics agree that, as a pure drama, the play is outstanding.

Mr Lyons added: "We are aware that we need to do something special.

"And I promise we will do it."

The project's patrons include Dame Judi Dench, Sir Antony Sher and Adrian

Noble, while major donations have also come from Awards For All, the York City Challenge Trust and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Richard III runs at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre from Wednesday until Saturday, at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets from York Tourism Information on 01904 554488, Ticket World on 01904 644194, the Richard III Museum at Monk Bar, or on the door.

Updated: 12:45 Monday, October 28, 2002