GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S acclaimed Festival Players are kick-starting summer with one of the Bard's best comedies

The all-male theatre troupe are bringing 'As You Like It' to Museum in the Park, Stroud, on Wednesday, June 17 (7pm) and The Manor, Frampton Court Estate, Frampton on Severn, on Thursday, June 18 at 7.30pm

As You Like It, which features one of Shakespeare’s most famous quotes “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players” is a firm favourite from the Bard’s formidable repertoire, penned around 1599. It sees love blossom for several couples in the Forest of Arden, where the exiled Duke Ferdinand has fled. His daughter Rosalind and her cousin Celia follow him there, in disguise, Rosalind taking on the persona of a boy, Ganymede. They are accompanied by court jester Touchstone. Ganymede is encountered by Orlando, already lovesick for Rosalind. Shepherds and goatherds also join in the sylvan drama of love, betrayal and mistaken identity.

Music is specially written for As You Like It by folk star Johnny Coppin who regularly tours the folk and acoustic circuit both solo and with fellow singer songwriter Mike Silver, adds a special ingredient with his original songs and instrumentals involving all the cast.

As this is an open air production, grounds open at 6.30pm for picnics. Audience members should bring own seating. For more details and tickets to some performances, please visit www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk