A FESTIVAL of open-air theatre is coming to Winchester this Summer.

From Tuesday, July 11 to Saturday, July 22 Chesil Theatre and Winchester Musicals and Opera Society (WMOS) are joining forces to put on a series of outdoor shows at Winchester College.

First up is the Chesil Theatre’s production of Treasure Island. The classic tale of buried treasure by Robert Louis Stevenson has been adapted by Phil Willmott.

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The cast of 38, including 19 youngsters, many from the Chesil Youth Theatre, are supported by a stage crew of set builders, costumiers, sound and lighting experts plus the all-important fight arranger.

Director, Sarah Hawkins, said: “The play is a puffball of parrots, pirates and plunder and has the general jollity of pantomime - perfect summer entertainment for young and old alike.”

As part of the Chesil Outreach programme, opening night on Tuesday, July 11, is a gala performance for those in the community who may not normally have access to theatre.

Some 17 charities and other organisations have each received free tickets for those they support and their carers.

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Tickets cost £10 for students and under 18s, adult tickets start from £16 with family tickets available from £46. For more information or to book go to chesiltheatre.org.uk.

Continuing the sea theme, WMOS will Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore - with a difference. Set in 1944, a troupe of players are at a railway station trying to get to their next venue. All trains are cancelled so they unpack the costumes, build their set and perform on the platform. Some 1940s tunes, a little bit of Dad's Army, silly situations and plenty of Union Jacks accompany the well-known tale of sweethearts overcoming difference in social class for true love. 

WMOS followers will recognise many familiar faces as well as new members in the cast. HMS Pinafore is on from Tuesday, July 18 to Saturday July 22. Tickets cost £16 and are available at WMOS.org.uk.