Has anyone performed "Guards! Guards!" by Terry Pratchett? Do you have any idea where I might be able to borrow/beg/find some dark hooded robes for the Elucidated Brethren / Death and an orangutan costume?! I'm thinking of doing this play, but the costumes seem very complex...! If you've performed it, how did you get on?! Thanks for your help!

We did Mort a few years back, and made the Death costume very simply - long black hooded cloak, basically! We also made a face covering of black mesh, and gave Death a lapel radio mic with a bit of reverb to sound 'ghostly'. I'm sure we still have the same costume for hire very cheaply.

This year we're doing Maskerade so as long as the shows don't clash!

Email me direct for more info.

Meawhile, re the orangutang and other costumes, contact Stephen Briggs who wrote the actual plays, as his local group perform them first and I think they have a huge stock of the costumes. I don't have his email address but there's a link on most of the Discworld fan club pages.

Incidentally, I contacted Terry Pratchett direct when we did Mort and he was extremely helpful with all sorts of ideas and good luck wishes. He was hoping to see our play but it coincided with the first week of the release of Carpe Jugulum and he was away on tour....but maybe this time!

Thanks for that! As I say, I'm only thinking about it...if I get round to actually producing the play I'll be in touch! Is there a published script for Maskerade or have you adapted it yourself? Where are you performing? I'd love to see it!

Yes, there is a published script for Maskerade - and, in fact, for many of the Discworld books. Ours will be in Guildford (Surrey) in October.