AN AMBITIOUS York drama project has made its mark and will be part of the local arts scene for at least the next 20 years, its outgoing chairwoman said at its annual meeting.

Ali Borthwick, who will be taking on the role of Petruchio in the York Shakespeare Project's gender-changing version of The Taming Of The Shrew, told members that the first production of Richard III performed at Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, last November overcame problems to be a success.

The project intends to show all the Bard's 37 plays in approximate chronological order in York over 20 years and will perform The Taming Of The Shrew in York and Pocklington in June.

It then will put on Comedy of Errors at Friargate Theatre, York, and community centres in late November and early December.

The project has received funding from the York Challenge Trust, Awards for All and Joseph Rowntree Foundation among others. It is also involved in education and community outreach workshops.

Ms Borthwick said: "Like all big productions Richard III had a few teething problems, but we finally launched the production side of the project.

"Our cast were superb and production crew, led by John White, the director, were excellent and we should be very proud of ourselves. We can now build on that success and move on.

"Our membership side has grown, Jennifer Aitken has built our education foundation and there are some new faces in The Taming Of The Shrew. The York Shakespeare Project has now arrived and will be here for the next 20 years and beyond."

Raymond Baggaley, who is taking over as chairman after a stint as treasurer, said the financial position was reasonably healthy.

The play will be performed at Pocklington Civic Arts Centre, at 7.30pm, on June 13, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on June 14, and then at Joseph Rowntree Theatre, at 7.30pm from June 17 to June 21, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. The project's new officers are: Raymond Baggaley, chairman, Linda Maloney, project secretary, Kit Bird, treasurer, and Judith Ireland, education co-ordinator.

Updated: 09:38 Tuesday, May 27, 2003