GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S acclaimed Festival Players will uncork the magic of A Midsummer Night's Dream on their home ground when they return to Poulton, near Cirencester on Friday, June 28, as part of a huge UK tour.

The Players, who this year celebrate their 28th year of touring outdoor Shakespeare productions, have grown in strength since acquiring the long-established London-based Theatre Set-Up and the new-look Players now bring audiences a combined 60 years experience of professional touring theatre.

The Players' show in the grounds of Sally and Tom Boyd's Poulton House in Poulton is a regular venue for the Players. The garden opens at 6.30pm for picnics and the performance starts at 8pm. Advance tickets are available on 01285 851237 or from Cirencester TIC on 01285 654180 price £13 adults and £7 for under 16s. Tickets on the door will be £14 adults and £7.50 under 16s. The performance will move indoors in wet weather. The audience should take their own seating.

Profits will go to the Mathieson Music School in Calcutta which aims to give deprived Indian children a rounded education and a future in music www.mathiesonmusictrust.org A Midsummer Night's Dream will feature an all-male cast and just six actors will punch well above their weight, playing multiple roles demanding quick costume changes, as well as performing as musicians.

Visit www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk where all tour dates can be found.