Theatre in the Garden at Shugborough

The gardens of Shugborough Estate, in Staffordshire, are set to be magically transformed "for dramatic effect" this summer.

Bram Stoker's Dracula, Lewis Carroll's Alice and William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet will be the stars of the show on what are hoped will be a series of balmy summer evening performances in July and August.

This year's Theatre in the Garden begins on Sunday, July 7th with 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, with gates opening at 6pm for a 7pm start.

With over 20 years of experience, Heartbreak Productions is one of the most prestigious and highest quality touring theatre companies in the country. This is their third year of performing at Shugborough, where their open air performances are set in the beautiful Grade I listed gardens.

"'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare is scheduled for Wednesday, 14 August (gates opening at 6pm for a 7pm start) and 'Alice - An Extraordinary Adventure' will be performed on Friday, August 30th, with gates that night opening at 5pm for a 6pm start.

No seating is provided at the performances, and while audience members are encouraged to bring their own picnics, blankets and deckchairs, no gazebos or tented structures are allowed.

Parking is free, and located a short distance from the performance site. Ticket prices for all performances are £11.50 in advance for adults (£14.50 on the night) and £7.50 for children (£9.50 on the night).

For further details, visit www.shugborough.org.uk/Events/Events.aspx.

A perfect setting for this kind of open-air event, Shugborough is perhaps best known for being the nation's most complete working historic estate, which also offers a fun-packed family day out and a chance to travel back to a bygone age.

Set in 900 acres of stunning parkland and riverside gardens the elegant mansion house, working Victorian servants' quarters and Georgian farm, dairy & mill are brought to life by costumed characters who share their stories from the past.

Normal ticket prices are £15 for adults, £9 for children, £12 concessions, £37.50 for large families (two adults and up to three children) and £19 for smaller families. But those looking for extra value-for-money from their day out at Shugborough can book online, in advance, at reduced prices.

There is a car parking charge of £3 per vehicle, fully refunded on purchase of a ticket.

For details of opening times and more information, visit www.shugborough.org.uk