THE legend of East Anglia's infamous Black Shuck dog is to feature in an open air play to be staged in north Suffolk from later this month.Black Shuck The Musical will take place on the Millennium Green, in Halesworth, and features the ominous presence of the terrifying hound which, legend has it, terrorised the people of Norfolk and Suffolk.

THE legend of East Anglia's infamous Black Shuck dog is to feature in an open air play to be staged in north Suffolk from later this month.

Black Shuck The Musical will take place on the Millennium Green, in Halesworth, and features the ominous presence of the terrifying hound which, legend has it, terrorised the people of Norfolk and Suffolk.

Writer and co-director James Holloway's play was prompted by stories of smuggling in the region, but soon adapted to incorporate the Black Shuck, which folklore says killed worshippers at churches in Blythburgh and Bungay on a day of bloody violence in 1577.

Mr Holloway, who is artistic director at The Cut theatre, in Halesworth, said: “I have always scared children with my stories of the Black Shuck.

“The Black Shuck represents religion and a scary presence within the play; you don't know if the dog really exists. It's subtle but scary.”

Mr Holloway stressed the musical was for families, who will be able to bring their picnics to the Millennium Green for the shows.

He wants to stage the musical on a replica sailing wherry in the New Reach Canal, although concerns from the Environment Agency mean it may have to be forced on to dry land.

Black Shuck The Musical is part of the Waveney Revels, a celebration of culture and entertainment in the district. Performances are at 7.30pm on April 25 and 26 and May 4 and 5. Tickets are £10, with £6 concessions, from The Cut box office on 0845 6732123.

For details of other events around the region, visit www.EDP24.co.uk/WhatsOn