The Festival Players to perform Shakespeare in Lancashire

On July 25, Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, will host The Festival Players for a special evening of Shakespeare in the Garden.

This performance is the only date in Lancashire on The Festival Players' tour.

The Festival Players will be performing The Tempest at Leighton Hall (Image: Leighton Hall)

For more than 25 years, the travelling theatre company has brought Shakespeare to Carnforth each summer.

This year's performance is particularly significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the group's tour which featured an all-male cast and all original music for the first time.

Since that performance, each July, visitors to Leighton Hall have been treated to a range of Shakespeare's comedies and tragedies.

Suzie Reynolds, owner of Leighton Hall, said: "We love having The Festival Players here. After all this time, it’s like welcoming back old friends.

"We’re thankful that they stop here at Leighton, as we are the only venue in Lancashire on their tour.

The Festival Players will be performing The Tempest at Leighton Hall (Image: Leighton Hall)

"The gardens are the perfect backdrop to enjoy Shakespeare on a summer's evening, regardless of our British weather."

The show will take place rain or shine so visitors are encouraged to bring their own seating, extra layers of warm clothing and possibly an umbrella.

Gates will open at 6pm and guests are invited to bring a picnic, ready for the play to start at 7.30pm.

Tickets can be purchased online from the Leighton Hall website, with admission being £19 for adults and £11 for children.

Leighton Hall is the historical seat of the Gillow family, and the family still live at the hall today.

Open to the public on open days throughout the summer, with many special events, the hall is a 10 minutes drive from M6 Junction 35, just north of Lancaster.