RICHMOND'S theatre is gearing up for a major weekend in its 220-year history.

The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond is hosting an international conference on Georgian playhouses, as well as staging three nights of performances by some of the country's leading actors.

Academics from all over the world will gather in Richmond for the Society of Theatre Research conference, entitled The Georgian Playhouse and its Continental Counterparts, 1750-1850.

Tomorrows gala performance of David Garrick's farcical Lethe, revived for the first time in 200 years and featuring Jenny Agutter and Timothy West, is sold out. Some tickets remain for tonights and Sunday nights performances.

Theatre manager and chief executive Vaughn Curtis said: "It's a huge honour for us to be hosting this over the weekend as Richmond is the home of the UK's most complete Georgian playhouse.

"The town is welcoming guests from all over the world including Canada, Australia, America and the Czech Republic."

Jenny Agutter and Timothy West are joined by Helen Bradbury, Jonathan Elsom, Charles Kay, Trevor Martin and Andrew Pepper for the 7.30pm performances tonight, tomorrow and Sunday. Gala tickets for tonight and Sunday are priced 15-60, available from the box office on 01748-825252.