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STOLEN TOME: Licensee Paddy Solan in front of the Fives Room where the stolen book was kept

ALAS poor Yorick, there'll be no more Shakespearean readings in a North-East pub after what has been described as a "disgraceful theft".

The Shakespeare Tavern, in Durham City, is appealing for the return of its copy of The Complete Works of Shakespeare stolen last weekend from the pub in Saddler Street.

"When this goes, it's sacrilege,"

said licensee Paddy Solan. "Call it trophying, call it what you like, it's still theft."

The book is described as roughly two feet long, with a light blue cover, and about "as thick as four phone books".

It was stolen from The Fives Room sometime between Friday, May 2 and Monday morning, when manager Paul Phillips realised it was missing.

Independent student drinking group The Fives Club had postponed its usual Friday meetings in the room for exams.

Club chairman Guy Norton, 21, said the book was "part of the character of the pub", and one of many tomes which locals and students alike would flick through while drinking.

Staff have even seen students perform extracts from Henry V while supping their ales, and the theft has stunned regulars.

"I think it's disgraceful. I'm absolutely amazed that someone came in here and stole it," said Ronnie Smith, 56, of Belmont.

"It was a lovely book. It's a shame someone had to ruin it for everyone else," said Fives club member, Jack Davidson, 21.

Over the past 12 months, a number of other items have been stolen from The Fives Room, including about 20 other books, and a cobbler's last, traditionally used to fashion shoes.

Thefts have become so rife that someone has previously been prosecuted for attempting to steal a towel.

Durham's smallest public house, The Shakespeare has occupied its present site in Saddler Street since 1190, when it was called The Ostler and Groom. A change in name followed the boom in Durham's theatrical district in the 18th Century.

Today, it still remains popular with Durham residents, and also enjoys a cult student following.

"Of any pub in Durham, it's the one with the best community. Students know the locals and they get on," said Mr Norton.

The Fives Room is so named because of its traditional usage by the The Fives Club, an independent drinking club set up by students who have been meeting regularly at the pub since at least 1971.

8:28am Monday 12th May 2008

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