Play will go to New York, Sydney and ... Wem

Shropshire theatre lovers will get an extra special preview of a much-acclaimed new play before it transfers to New York's Broadway and then Sydney Opera House.

The show Nearly Lear is booked to appear at Wem Town Hall on November 11, and Cross Houses Old Chapel, near Shrewsbury, on November 13.

Susanna Hamnett, an English actress based in Toronto, agreed to the bookings before she was snapped up by the American and Australian venues.

Cross Houses promoter Chris Eldon Lee said: "Susanna has just finished her dates in Cumbria and Scotland and the show went down really well with young people as well as old."

The actress, who trained in Shakespeare, clown, vaudeville and storytelling, created Nearly Lear in 2008.

"Reports were so good we booked the show on its reputation, as did Wem Town Hall, and it seems we might have got it right," said Mr Eldon Lee.

Tickets for Wem are available on (01939) 238279 and Cross Houses on (01743) 761795.