BUDDING actors from Pembrokeshire could soon be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sir Patrick Stewart, as filming for a BBC adaptation of a Shakespeare historical classic gets underway.

Richard II is due to be filmed around St David’s Cathedral and the castles at Carew and Pembroke between June 13th and July 1st, the first of four new films to be based on the famous Bard’s work.

An open casting session was held on May 28th at Haverfordwest Community Learning Centre, meaning county residents could soon be joining stars such as Ben Whishaw, who plays Richard II on screen.

The production team also boasts a number of household names such as executive producer Sam Mendes of American Beauty fame and Danny Cohen of recent Oscar winner The King’s Speech as director of photography.

Ben Stephenson, controller, BBC Drama, said: “A fitting ensemble of some of this country’s finest acting talent have assembled for Richard II, the first of four film versions of Shakespeare’s History plays on BBC Two in 2012.

“Shooting entirely on location, the director Rupert Goold brings a scale never before attempted on TV to the work by using St David’s Cathedral and Pembroke Castle in Wales to give audiences something entirely unique.”

Pembrokeshire County Council said part of the Merrivale car park in St Davids would be closed from June 12th-22nd and the western end of the Commons Road car park in Pembroke from June 26th to July 1st for film crew vehicles.