Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice’s Mr Darcy will have hearts fluttering alongside the butterflies at Brockholes

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve will host a production of Pride and Prejudice – but the leading man had better stay out of the lakes.

Jane Austen’s classic is the first of two open-air plays in August. It is already proving popular with the ladies who remember Colin Firth’s proud and handsome Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy chasing the flighty Elizabeth Bennet, played by Jennifer Ehle in the 1995 film.

Pride and Prejudice is a fresh and contemporary version of the novel by Heartbreak Productions. The production combines dance, music and song with the story of quarrelling siblings.

There will also be lessons in how to behave from the Association of Higher Etiquette and Manners.

Heartbreak’s writer in residence, David Kerby Kendall has ensured that his adaptation of Austen will be cause for some hilarity among the palpatations.

The play will take place in the Meadow Area at Brockholes, surrounded by the stunning nature reserve off the M6 at Preston.

There will be a glass of Barefoot wine with each adult ticket. Glasses of red, white, rose or bubbly will be served at the interval.

Tickets are on sale for the Sunday, August 17 performance, beginning at 5pm, with an early bird discount before July 18. The following weekend Peter Pan will be spreading some magic around the reserve for families.

Pride and Prejudice: Tickets: £12.50 or £13.50 after July 18. Children £8 or £9 after July 18.

Family Ticket £35 or £39 after July 18. Regency Cream Tea before Pride & Prejudice and theatre ticket is £21.50 or £22.50 after July 18.

For more details go to www.brockholes.org or phone 01772 872000.