FOLLOWING a sell-out run of performances, Split Second Productions return to Berkeley Castle this month with a new open-air Shakespeare season, which will run from Sunday, June 25 to Tuesday, July 11.

As part of the ‘Summer Shakespeare’ season, the company will perform Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The revised version of Much Ado About Nothing, is set during World War Two and will follow Benedick, Claudio and a band of returning soldiers as they visit the Duke of Messina and quickly fall head over heels for the Duke’s daughter, Hero and his niece, Beatrice.

Mishaps, misfortunes and multiple misunderstandings, make this one of Shakespeare’s most charming and touching comedies.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is set in the heart of a mythical forest surrounding Athens.

Four star-crossed lovers, a company of amateur actors and a fairy kingdom will collide to create one of the nation’s best-loved tales of falling in love - all in one night.

But as we know, and as we are told, "The course of true love never did run smooth."

One repertory company will perform in both productions.

The company features returning cast members, including: Ross White (Theseus/Oberon & Claudio), Lylla Schillinger (Hippolyte/Titania & Margaret), Angus Berryman (Lysander & Benedick), Hannah Baxter-Eve (Hermia & Hero), Alexander Myers Allen (Demetrius & Friar/Borachio), Madeleine Hatt (Helena & Beatrice), Thomas Berkeley (Peter Quince & Don Pedro), Al Coppola (Bottom & Dogberry), James Eley (Flute & Don John), Jessica Alade (Starveling & Ursula/Balthazar), Lou Turner (Snout & Antonio), Charles Beaven (Snug/Egeus & Conrade/Verges) and Adam Boardman (Puck & Leonato).

Returning to direct is Jaq Bessell, a vastly experienced theatre director who has directed in New York, London and in regional theatres across the USA.

Set in an open-air stage against a backdrop of sky-lit gardens and beautiful scenery, these two theatrical classics will be ones to watch at Berkeley Castle.

  • Tickets are currently on sale either online at berkeley-castle.com or by contacting 01453 810303.