THE stunning grounds of Swinhay House near Wotton-Under-Edge will once again open for a truly unmissible open air Shakespeare production. This year the all male cast of the Festival Players will be performing As You Like It, on Friday, July 3.

The Festival Players Theatre Company, in association with Under the Edge Arts, is thrilled to bring you this pastoral comedy full of love, laughter and lyricism, As You Like It. As in the Bard's time, an all-male company if skilled professional actors, playing in splendid period costume, will invite you to share in the colour, poetry, and magical mayhem of this outstanding play, set to an original musical score by Johnny Coppin. Perfect entertainment for a summer evening.

This brilliantly inventive and energetic production will be staged on the beautiful lawns of the contemporary country residence - Swinhay House (GL12 7PQ). With breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, a curving lake and spectacular sculptures, Swinhay is an idyllic venue for garden and theatre lovers alike; not to mention the perfect location for a picnic before the performance and a glass of something chilled. Licensed bar and hot drinks will also be available, as will plenty of on-site car parking.

The grounds of Swinhay House will open at 6pm for picnics before the performance starts and the play will commence at 7.30pm (please note that picnics are before the performance only and that the play is staged a short way from the picnic grounds adjacent to Swinhay House). Hot and cold drinks will be available in the interval. Please bring along chairs, blankets and picnics, plus suitable clothing for all weather conditions.

Tickets are priced at £15 (concessions £13) and are available from It Takes Two, Long Street Wotton-Under-Edge and online at www.utea.org.uk or by calling Under the Edge Arts on 07791 323869, booking is essential.