A Midsummer Night’s Dream – a play of magical mischief, languishing lovers, feuding fairies and an amdram performance is the ideal way to welcome back live performance to Winchester.

The Chesil Theatre has the bonus of performing in the gardens of Wolvesey Palace as the first production in The Summer Festival.

The play opens on July 13 after the most unusual rehearsal period. Actors have met in small groups in a field in the coldest May for decades.

June brought warmer weather for director, Sarah Hawkins, to lead the ensemble. Such was the desire of Chesil members to get back to the fun of working together, that this is a cast of great depth. Even the cameo parts are taken by experienced actors who have appeared in major roles.

A spokesperson said: “With fairies from the Youth Theatre, original music and songs by member Heather Bryant and a backstage and support team of nearly 40, this demonstrates the strength of the long- established group.”

Sarah Hawkins is an experienced director of open-air productions but admits this one has been challenging.

“At all times we have followed the guidelines and pulled together to achieve what we know will be a joyous evening of laughter and happiness to the high standard,” she said.

The audience size will be limited and socially distanced, in line with Covid-19 regulations.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare will run Tuesday July 13 – Saturday July 17 at 7.30pm.

Matinee on Saturday July 17, 2.30pm.