Theatregoers will be treated to open-air productions of classic stories this summer while surrounded by the blooming flowers at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Following the success of last year’s performances, that attracted hundreds of guests, the Edgbaston-based gardens will launch theatre season on July 1. For three weeks, theatre fans can enjoy a different performance every Wednesday. The spectacular stories, produced by popular touring theatre companies, include Jane Eyre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest.

Chapterhouse Theatre will receive a warm welcome back to the Botanical Gardens, after successful productions of Sherlock Holmes, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Jungle Book in 2014. Fairies, lovers and magic will return to the 15-acre gardens as A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes control of the grounds on July 8. Last year, this performance attracted a mammoth 700 people.

Lincoln-based Chapterhouse will also be kicking off the celebrations with a special performance of Jane Eyre on July 1. The classic tale – adapted from Charlotte Bronte’s novel – will have audience members swooning as the tale comes to life. The stop off at Botanical Gardens is a part of the group’s 16th year of touring the UK and Ireland, bringing some of the best-loved classics to idyllic garden settings.

Shakespearian magic won’t end there, as Gloucester-based Rain and Shine Theatre – that has been described by The Stage magazine as “one of the best companies touring open air theatre” – bring The Tempest to the flowering gardens on July 15. Guests will be able to watch as the mystery of Prospero’s island unfolds in this family-friend performance.

http://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk