Excitement is mounting as the countdown to opening night of Siste, viator, a brand new show telling the story of Ross, draws nearer.

St Mary's Church is beginning to undergo a temporary transformation with a huge, floor to ceiling screen being erected in the chancel arch to carry the computer-generated images which have been specially created for the show.

The small, dedicated group of talented actors who make up the cast of Siste, viator are under increasing pressure as they prepare to play almost eighty characters between them.

Everything portrayed in Siste, viator is true and documented in ancient archives and parish records. From the foundation and dedication of the church on May 6th 1316 to the present day it tells of people like William Rudhall (Chancellor to the brother of Henry VIII); benefactors like John Kyrle and William Blake; the Prospect Riots.

The story continues through plague and civil war, when Charles I visited the town, to the poor law and workhouse. Hence the wide range of characters and the need for talented performers to portray them.

Siste, viator is filled with humour, pathos, failures and triumphs, and as the drama unfolds it calls for dramatic lighting effects and music and songs to bring the story to life.

There is one item which Brian Jackson, the show's creator is appealing for - a lunar telescope on a tripod. 'What for? people have asked. 'Wait and see,' was his reply.

Siste, viator will be quite an experience, unlike anything seen in Ross before. The show runs from Thursday, October 23rd to Saturday, October 25th in St Mary's church.

Tickets are on sale at the Team Office, Ross Rectory, Church Street.

• The cast of 'Siste, viator' during a break in rehearsal in St Mary's Church