THE Festival Players return to town this month as part of the 2015 Basingstoke Festival.

They will perform As You Like It in the history-steeped Bartons Mill at Old Basing on Sunday, June 28.

The venue boasts its own lake and river, swans and ducks and remains of a working water wheel.

Gloucestershire’s acclaimed Festival Players will field a traditional all-male cast for the performance of As You Like It, which features one of Shakespeare’s most famous quotes “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players”.

This firm favourite from the Bard’s formidable repertoire was penned around 1599.

It sees love blossom for several couples in the Forest of Arden, where the exiled Duke Ferdinand has fled. His daughter Rosalind and her cousin Celia follow him there, in disguise, Rosalind taking on the persona of a boy, Ganymede.

Ganymede is encountered by Orlando, already lovesick for Rosalind. Shepherds and goatherds also join in the sylvan drama of love, betrayal and mistaken identity.

A small cast of six will punch well above their weight, playing multiple roles demanding quick costume changes, as well as performing as singers and musicians.

The production will be directed by Worcestershire-based Michael Dyer, the former director of Cornwall’s Minack Open Air Theatre.

Michael said: “It will be a colourfully costumed two hour show full of love, laughter and lyricism and engaging characters, featuring songs set to original music - perfect entertainment for a summer’s evening.

“It is of course totally authentic - we are following in the footsteps of Shakespeare’s own Globe Theatre when all roles were taken by men.”

The fully-seated open air production starts at 5pm and will offer the audience a barbeque before and after the show as well as a champagne bar.

Tickets, priced £14 or £9 for under 18s, are available on 01256 331153 or by emailing bartonsmills@ wadworth.co.uk.

A Basingstoke Festival 2015 event.