Shakespeare returns to the grounds of Woburn Abbey this weekend with Midsummer Night's Dream.

This magical story is simply the best in family entertainment as flitting fairies, forest bound lovers and raucous tradesmen all join to create an idyllic summer evening within a perfect setting.

This is the third year the Abbey has opened its grounds to a season of Shakespearean plays and they're always a delight.

Families bearing picnics and foldaway chairs brave storms and sunshine to lap up the entertainment which is provided by companies of strolling players.

The Chapterhouse Theatre Company celebrated its 10th anniversary with two plays at the Abbey – last Saturday's Romeo and Juliet and Midsummer Night's Dream this Saturday (June 27).

Midsummer starts at 7pm but the grounds will be open for picnickers from 6pm. Bring your own rug and low backed seating. The performance will take place in all but the worst weather so come prepared.

The children's classic, Alice's Adventure In Wonderland, is being presented by the Cambridge Touring Theatre on Sunday (June 28) starting at 4pm.

A children's workshop is being held before the play, from 2.30-3.15pm.

Later in the season Chapterhouse return with the unlikeliest of summer plays – Cinderella - which is being performed on August 7.

The season ends with the return of The Lord Chamberlain's Men and Twelfth Night, Shakespeare's romantic summer comedy of mistaken identity, infatuation and broken hearts.

The company, the only all male Shakespearean Touring Company in UK, who can trace their history back to The Bard's own time, last year thrilled with Much Ado About Nothing and this year's performance, at 7.30pm on August 21, promises to be just as exciting.

For tickets and information to all of the above contact the box office at Woburn Abbey 01525 290333 or online at www.woburn.co.uk/abbey/theatre