TITCHFIELD Festival Theatre’s Roman theme for this year’s Shakespeare Summer Festival continues with Titus Andronicus – a tragic stage play which also includes elements of black comedy.

Although the story is fictional, the play is based upon real events during the period of decline in the Roman Empire.

The stage is set in an oppressed society which is in the throw of a political upheaval and the brothers Saturninus and Bassianus are in contention for the Roman Emperorship.

Titus Andronicus is Rome’s most honoured general who returns from wars against the Goths with their queen, Tamora, her sons and her lover, Aaron the Moor, as captives.

Her eldest son is sacrificed by Titus and she vows revenge.

This production has power, manipulation and revenge all in spades.

It's not for the faint-hearted – in total there are 14 killings, six severed members, at least one rape scene, one live burial, one case of insanity and one of cannibalism – an average of 5.2 atrocities per act…

This is an uncompromising play that does not give in, let up or bow down to niceties or delicate sensitivities.

Kevin Fraser, Artistic Director for Titchfield Festival Theatre, said: “We have been delighted with the great reviews we have had from patrons so far during this year's Shakespeare Festival season and we are confident that our audiences will love this one too.

“It was a critically acclaimed play in Shakespeare’s day and was regarded as excellent.

“Clearly, the themes cover many of the darker sides of human nature.

“However, Titus is also gripping and the cast is looking forward to performing another of the Bard’s great Roman plays.”

Titus Andronicus opens on Tuesday and runs until Thursday August 9, starting at 7.30pm in the Great Barn.

For more information, contact the Box Office on: 01329 556156.