THE PETERSFIELD Shakespeare Festival is all set to entertain and delight this summer with a brand-new production of the established favourite Much Ado About Nothing in the perfect and magical setting of Wylds Farm in Liss.

The unique and enchanting outdoor theatre festival, now in its 11th season, was launched in 2012 by a group of drama teachers coming together at the start of the summer holidays to feed their creative appetites.

And this year’s production reflects the first festival in 2012, which was also Much Ado About Nothing.

This year the talented cast will perform on a tree-lined hillside beneath a magnificent red oak, and transport audiences from the South Downs to post-war Messina in Italy.

The end of a war signals celebration: colour, dancing.

Caution is thrown to the wind.

There’s music in the air, and now the sexes are re-united, the inevitable sparks and sexual frisson follow.

Normal life resumes in the sunshine and as champagne corks pop, the rituals of courtship are rekindled: there’s whispering, giggling and flirting behind masks.

Most of the tittle-tattle is good-natured and harmless. And for Beatrice and Benedick it means the resumption of their unresolved battle of wits.

But there’s a shadow; an unwanted guest is lurking in the wings.

It’s not his party but he’s determined to make others cry.

Will he succeed in subverting this comedy for his own end, or will the dance sweep everyone off their feet?

With dastardly plots, sparkling comedy and some of Shakespeare’s wittiest wordplay, this story of matchmaking and manipulation is the perfect way to celebrate the joy of open-air theatre.

Start your evening with tasty refreshments and live music at the Bottoms Up bar.

You can then promenade up the hill to be immersed in the care-free world of the play where caution is thrown to the wind and love, music and dance are in the air.

The venue will be open early so you can enjoy the family-friendly festival vibe and beautiful surroundings before the show.

Performances run from July 19 to 24, starting at 7pm, with matinees on Thursday, July 21 (relaxed) and Saturday, July 23 (BSL Interpreted), both at 2pm.

Early-bird tickets are available but only until May 22.

For more information, and to book tickets, visit the website the festival website at www.petersfieldshakespearefestival.co.uk

Tickets are also available at One Tree Books in Lavant Street, Petersfield.