The Royal Shakespeare Company is shining a spotlight on the sometimes maligned world of amateur dramatics.

As part of the 2012 World Shakespeare Festival and the Cultural Olympiad this summer the RSC will give up their stage to a select few amateur productions.

The quintessentially British pursuit of "Am Dram" is thriving and often highly ambitious as Nicola Stanbridge reports.

Get in touch with Today via email , Twitter or Facebook or text us on 84844.