Shakespeare classic returns to Cotswolds (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Shakespeare classic returns to Cotswolds

THE Festival Players Theatre Company begins its annual British tour in Gloucestershire next week when it brings Twelfth Night to Poulton House, near Cirencester, on Friday, May 28 (01285 851237), following a preview at The Space in Stroud.

It's ten years since the company performed this Shakespeare favourite, which this year is directed by Michael Dyer with music by Johnny Coppin, and during that time the tour has increased enormously.

Now lovers of the Bard from Cornwall to Aberdeen, from West Wales to Lincolnshire, not to mention those in Berlin and Guernsey can enjoy the delightfully original, often quirky, performances which are a hallmark of the Festival Players.

Twelfth Night is a marvellous mix of comedy, romance, danger, disguise and revelations in Shakespeare's inimitable language.

Add to that the glorious outdoor settings which the company visits and the versatility of all the actors, and you have an experience not to be missed.

Should you miss the Poulton House performance, the company is at Hill Court, Berkeley on May 29 (01453 873416), at Painswick Rococo Garden on June 15 (01452 814306), at Beaudesert Park School, Minchinhampton on June 16 (01453 884570), on the village green at Evenlode, near Moreton-in-Marsh on June 19 (01608 652533) and at the Tuckwell Amphitheatre at Dean Close School, Cheltenham on June 23 (01242 258002).

In July the nearest venues are at Frampton Manor, Frampton-on-Severn (6 and 7, 01452 740698) and Marlborough College (27, 01672 892388. From August 10-13 the company will be playing at the Three Choirs Festival from which it takes its name, at The New Inn, Gloucester (01452 814477) and will be at Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe from August 14-15 (01242 602308) and at Wallsworth Hall, Twigworth on August 22 (08454 224422) before a final performance, appropriately at Stratford on Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday (01789 292325).

Don't miss it, whatever you do.