IF you want to see Venice Preserved, go to the home town of the Bard.

Actor, writer and director, Prasanna Puwanarajah (well known to TV audiences appearing alongside Suranne Jones in Season 2 of Doctor Foster), is the director for Thomas Otway’s political thriller Venice Preserved at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre, in Stratford-upon-Avon.

A spokesman said: "Venice Preserved is a dark masterpiece and breath-taking love story, and this production will draw on inspirations including Anime, graphic novels and DC Comics. Chosen as one of the best 101 plays ever by The Guardian theatre critic, Michael Billington, the production runs between May 24 and September 7.

"The cast features Les Dennis, making his RSC debut, and Natalie Dew, Michael Grady-Hall, John Hodgkinson and Jodie McNee.

"Prasanna has described his production as having a 1980s ‘Restoration Blade Runner’ feel..The entire thing seems to take place at night., with a kind of pressure cooker thriller vibe to it." Box Office: 01789 331111.