Matthew Barksby (23), whose family live in Brimington, is currently playing the female character Portia in an all-male production of The Merchant of Venice.

The show, by the Festival Players, visits Hathersage on Friday, June 26, as part of a 60-date tour taking in London squares, Scottish castles, National Trust properties, Welsh gardens and Roman amphitheatres.

Matthew said: "My role is about capturing the essence of a woman so I have been studying the mannerisms and the gestures that women use.

"It's been a challenge for me as I speak rather quickly with my northern accent but Portia is the Lady of Belmont so I've had to change my pace of speech and speak the Queen's English for the character."

The tour comes in an exciting year for Matthew who has been filming a television adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma in which he plays Thomas Willoughby. The four-part series promises to be a highlight of BBC1's autumn schedule.

The 18th century authoress figures large in Matthew's CV with his previous small-screen apppearances including the BBC's Miss Austen Regrets, in which he played James Wildman, and ITV's Lost In Austen, where he played a courtier.

Matthew, who has been based in London for five years, made his professional acting debut at Chesterfield's Pomegranate six years ago in a production of Child's Play which was directed by the theatre's arts project officer, Carole Copeland.

The performance of The Merchant of Venice is at Nether Hall, Hathersage, at 7.30pm. Proceeds will be going to Cystic Fibrosis and Jubilee Sailing Trust. Tickets cost £15; to book, call (01433) 651098.