PULL up a deckchair, uncork the prosecco and settle in for another fortnight of alfresco entertainment in The Tuckwell Amphitheatre; Dean Close School’s idyllic outdoor theatre venue.

Whether for live music, drama, film or family fun, the perfect setting of the Tuckwell is now firmly established as the place to be on balmy summer evenings.

Festival highlights include: Jane Austen’s masterpiece Emma by the widely acclaimed Heartbreak Productions while newcomers to the festival Eleventh Hour present a hilarious take on the modern classic Abigail’s Party.

Shakespeare fans will not be disappointed with a triple bill of the Bard including Much ado about Nothing by the anarchic Pantaloons and Folksy Theatre’s Hamlet – as you’ve never seen (or heard) him before.

Little monsters and their grown-ups will be delighted by the story of Sophie and her pet monster in My Pet Monster and Me by festival favourites Blunderbus Theatre Company .

Film audiences can also expect two helpings of the Cinema Under the Stars starting with the Oscar winning The Grand Budapest Hotel [15] in all its quirky glory and classic 1980’s comedy romance, When Harry Met Sally [15].

Speaking on behalf of the festival team, Jess waterman said: “The 2015 Open-air Theatre Festival is just around the corner with one of our fullest outdoor theatre and film line-ups to date. The whole festival team are excited to get started and we look forward to welcoming groups of all ages back to this magical leafy venue.”

As always, the festival line-up includes a winning mix of old friends and new faces, this year including a double bill of desert island drama; Stranded devised by Cheltenham Youth Theatre and Robert Scott’s one act Play All by Myself presented by luvvie locals Nonumbum Theatre Company.

  • All the Open-air Theatre Festival events are now on sale and may be bought online at www.bacontheatre.co.uk or from the ticket office on 01242 258002. Gates open 1 ½ hours before each performance for picnics and audience members are asked to bring comfy low-backed seating and to prepare for all weathers.
  • For a full line up go to www.bacontheatre.co.uk