Drama outside for summer

Lytham Hall have announced details of their summer alfresco drama season, which will see four new productions come to the venue in June, July and August.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company launch the season at Lytham Hall on Friday June 14, marking the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice by staging Richard Main’s production of Jane Austen’s most popular novel, adapted for the stage by Laura Turner.

Red Rose favourites Illyria will return to Lytham Hall, after three very successful shows last summer, with director Oliver Gray’s production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It on Sunday 7 July.

Illyria’s artistic director Oliver Gray is looking forward to being part of the Lytham Hall bill once again. He says: “We love the enthusiasm of our loyal followers on the Lancashire coast and the news of Shakespeare on an early Sunday evening is meeting with much approval.”

Ten days later on Tuesday July 16, the Hall plays host to one of the first performances by Illyria of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, the third musical production by the company, following a triumph with HMS Pinafore in 2012.

And Illyria return for an afternoon show on Bank Holiday Sunday August 25 with the children’s favourite, Babe the Sheep-Pig.

The organiser of Lytham Hall’s drama season, Julian Wilde, says: “I think the variety in this summer’s programme is especially appealing and it’s excellent to have the performance of Pride and Prejudice right at the beginning of Chapterhouse’s summer tour.

Tickets are now on sale at £12 or £9.50 and £6 for concessions from Lytham Hall on 01253 736652, Plackitt and Booth Booksellers on 01253 796958, Lowther Pavilion on 01253 794221 and the theatre companies own websites.