Four rehearsed readings of Marlowe's Dr Faustus are to be given on the site on the Rose theatre on 29th August.

Marlowe mania — or warm interest, at least — is hitting London, six months before the much-anticipated Dr Faustus, starring Jude Law and directed by David Lan, at the Young Vic. Law is still expected to eventually appear in a film about Marlowe's life, financed by Natural Nylon, the company he jointly owns with his wife, Sadie Frost, and others.

Rehearsed readings of Marlowe's Dr Faustus, which was performed at the original Rose Theatre on the south side of the Thames (near the current Shakepseare's Globe), will take place Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

The purpose of the four readings is to raise money for further excavation work at the site of the Rose, which was built in 1587 and flourished until 1606, by when it had been overtaken in public popularity by relative newcomers The Swan (1595) and The Globe (1599).

For more details about the event phone the Rose on 020 7593 0026. For the history of the theatre try www.rdg.ac.uk/rose. by Paul Webb Theatrenow