SHAKESPEARE is set to return to Hoghton Tower for the first time in 400 years.

This summer will see a series of open air productions of one of the Bard's most popular comedies Twelfth Night.

Speaking at the official launch of the Shakespeare at the Tower event, leading theatre director Dean Taylor said: "We aim to show that Shakespeare is fun. This will be a production for everyone. It will be great family occasion where people can bring along their picnics, enjoy a glass of wine and then be entertained.

"The grounds of Hoghton Tower are a fantastic and historic setting. We are all hugely excited at the prospect of bringing Shakespeare back to the Tower."

The series came about after Dean, from Preston, approached Sir Bernard de Hoghton with the idea.

Leading academics believe that a young William Shakespeare spent some time at Hoghton Tower where he was a tutor to the de Hoghton family children. In Shakespeare's time the family home even had its own theatre where he may have performed.

Shakespeare at the Tower, which is sponsored by Thwaites, will run from June 26 to July 12 and there will be 28 performances during that time.

The promenade-style shows will involve the audience following the actors around the grounds of the Tower as they perform the comedy.

An experienced cast has been put together and rehearsals will start in June.

It promises to be a spectacular event with costumes being supplied by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Shows will be performed daily at 7.30pm with matinees at 2pm. Sunday performances will be at 4pm.

A number of workshops will also be held for schools and a number of the performances will be signed for the deaf.

Sir Bernard de Hoghton, who lives at the Tower, said that the planned promenade theatre event was a very exciting development and an historic moment for the estate.

Tickets for Shakespeare at the Tower priced £15 for adults and £12.50 for children are available from the booking hotline on 01254 851185.