CHARACTERS from Gilbert and Sullivan and Shakespeare came together to launch the Theatre in the Garden festival. They met in the gardens of Wolvesey Palace, where A Midsummer Night’s Dream, presented by the Chesil Theatre, and Winchester Musicals and Operatic Society’s (WMOS) The Pirates of Penzance will be performed in July.

Sarah Hawkins, the director of the much loved Shakespeare comedy, is working with an experienced cast of Chesil regulars and talented newcomers plus a delightful young band of fairy folk. They will create a magical forest, with squabbling lovers, feuding fairies, tricks and reconciliations and a spoof ‘am dram’ performance guaranteed to bring lots of laughter.

Sarah invites audiences to bring their picnics and prepare for an evening of mayhem, magic and merriment. The play will be performed July 13-17.

WMOS swing aboard on July 20-24 with The Pirates of Penzance, the first show performed by the Society in 1913. The 2021 version will give the classic a twist by being set at the seaside in 1957. Audiences will hear all the old favourites, but with nods to the 1950s with hints of Doris Day, Elvis and Cliff in the arrangements. Director Suzanne Hall promises a rollicking outdoor adventure with pirates, picnics, policemen and sand between your toes.

In line with Covid restrictions all rehearsals are taking place via Zoom or out of doors. Tickets for both productions are now available online via the websites: chesiltheatre.org.uk and wmos.org.uk. Audience numbers will be limited to ensure the safety of everyone.