THERE's the rare chance to visit Winchester Crown Court but for nothing to do with the legal process.

The Law Courts will be the venue for a one-off performance in aid of charity on Thursday September 27, a 6.45 for a 7.30pm start.

Court room number 2 will be the stage of Merely Players, a play on a judicial theme, to be performed by well-known Hampshire barrister Nigel Pascoe QC.

The proceeds will go to the Sebastian's Action Trust, a charity that supports seriously-ill children.

Merely Players was devised as an advocate’s tribute to William Shakespeare, as a master of persuasion.

Taking loosely the framework of a criminal trial, it contains some of his best known passages and verse, with a selection of some of his villains as Defendants. It also includes a few stories and memories.

Space is limited and tickets have been selling well. They are £20 to include a glass of wine on arrival with savouries made by charity supporters Dawn and Diane Padwick.

There will also be a raffle.