Preview - Shakespeare's As You Like It at Shugborough

Enjoy a spot of Shakespeare as the Bard himself intended it to be performed – in the great outdoors . . .

Shakespeare is returning to Shugborough with the Globe on Tour planning three open air performances at the historic working estate.

The venue has a long tradition of producing acclaimed Shakespearian shows and fans are in for a treat with the Globe's latest road trip.

The Shakespeare Globe Theatre on Tour will present As You Like with performances tonight (June 3), Saturday and on Sunday. The Friday and Saturday productions will start at 7.30pm, with the gates opening an hour earlier, while Sunday's begins at 6.30pm.

A spokesman for the venue said: "Performed on an Elizabethan-inspired outdoor stage, a small troupe of travelling players breathe new life into one of Shakespeare's most well-loved plays at this inspiring venue.

"Following the success of our tours of A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Comedy of Errors in Summer 2010, Shakespeare's Globe on Tour returns with As You Like It.

"People can bring their picnics for a lovely summer outdoor theatre experience with the world famous Shakespeare Globe Theatre."

As You Like It runs the glorious gamut of pastoral romance: cross-dressing and love-notes; poetry and brilliant conversation; gentle satire, slapstick and passion.

Rosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, falls in love with Orlando at a wrestling match, but her usurping uncle, jealous of her popularity, banishes her from court.

Disguised as a boy she seeks out her father and his friends in the Forest of Arden. Here she meets Orlando again and, under the guise of a young man, counsels him in the art of love.

The production is being directed by James Dacre, designed by Hannah Clark and the music has been composed by Olly Fox.

The cast includes Gunnar Cauthery as Orlando, Gregory Gudgeon as Touchstone, Jo Herbert as Rosalind and Ben Lamb as Silvius/Charles.

Meanwhile, Theatre Severn, in Shrewsbury, will host a four-show production of Fame, running from Thursday to June 11 with a matinee on the final date.

Venue spokesman Craig Reeves said: "After the successful productions of Little Shop of Horrors and the smash sell-out High School Musical in 2010, Get Your 'Wigle' On are back with Fame The Musical.

"Set in the vibrant 80s, Fame tells the bittersweet but ultimately inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of gruelling artistic and academic work.

"With candour, humour and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today.

"This all singing all dancing show features some truly amazing local talent and promises to maintain the high standard already set by the group."

Tickets are available at www.theatresevern.co.uk or by calling 01743 281281.