THERE will be no siesta for the Dukes staff this summer as Williamson Park is transformed into medieval Spain to stage Migel de Cervantes' classic, Don Quixote.

A tale of adventure and love, it will be dramatised specially for the promenade season by Lancashire-based playwright, Les Smith.

Published in 1605, Don Quixote was an instant best seller and has since achieved mythic status in Spain where Don and his sidekick, Sancho Panza, have become archetypal figures.

With the Lakeland Hills posing as the Spanish Sierras and Williamson Park turning into the inns and dusty paths of La Mancha, the Dukes are also hoping for a bit of Mediterranean weather to truly set the scene. "We looked long and hard for a title that would be suitable for Williamson Park," said artistic director, Ian Hastings. "But decided instead to ask a good playwright to dramatise a great work of fiction. I've know Les for ten years and he's a great playwright. Don Quixote is a fantastic story, full of fighting and romance, and should translate well in the beautiful setting of the park. This is my first promenade play and I'm very excited about live, outdoor theatre."

Les Smith, a former student of Lancaster University, said: "It's a pleasure and a privilege to work on a story that's brought such pleasure to people for 400 years. It's about a man who takes a journey to right wrongs and provides a lot of opportunities to make the most of the wonderful setting."

The production will lead the audience through the beautiful Williamson Park via inns to visionary castles and islands with the Lakeland Hills posing as the Spanish Sierras. Witness Don Quixote's vivid imagination as he attempts to enchant, jest and engage in single combat. The play should also prove interesting as one of the lead characters is a donkey! Don Quixote will run from July 13 to August 19.

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