The University’s Botanic Gardens at Winterbourne will become a centre of Shakespearean magic on August 20th at 7.30pm when the Garden's host an open air production of a Midsummer Night's Dream.

The production by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company is staged in traditional Elizabethan costume with a large ensemble cast and an enchanting original music score. The plot, which centres on the mysterious world of the fairies is perfectly suited to Winterbourne’s beautiful gardens.

Audience members are invited to bring along a rug and a picnic, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere

Alison Darby, the Garden’s Curator, said: "We think the garden should be a perfect setting for open air theatre, particularly for a play like a Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is actually set in a forest. The production really makes use of the beautiful surroundings and the show promises to be one of the most delightful evenings of the summer."

Chapterhouse Theatre Company is now in its seventh season producing Shakespeare in theatres and country houses across the UK and Ireland.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes place at the University of Birmingham Botanic Garden at Winterbourne, Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, at 7.30pm on Sunday 20th August 2006. The performance is expected to last 2hrs 30 minutes including an interval. Tickets are priced just £12 for adults, Students and Children £8. Tickets can be purchased at the garden or by phone using a debit/credit card.

For more details contact garden staff on 0121 414 3832.

ENDS

Further information:

Ben Hill – Press Officer, University of Birmingham

Tel: 0121 414 5134 or mobile 07789 921163

Notes to Editors:

The University of Birmingham’s Botanic Garden at Winterbourne is located at 58 Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2RT.

Built in 1903 the Garden started life as a private family garden and became the University Botanic Garden in 1944. In its 100 years it has developed and now houses the National Council for Conservation of Plants and Gardens European Rose collection, a Japanese Bridge and Tea House.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company

Chapterhouse Theatre Company enters its seventh season of productions, with some of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays at both Theatres and Country Houses throughout the UK and Ireland.

The company has established itself as one of the most successful and acclaimed touring company’s in the country. In previous years the company has toured with a variety of shows including Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night and Much Ado About Nothing together with performances of classic works such as The Mystery Plays and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Chapterhouse now perform in over 150 different locations around Britain and Ireland for their garden theatre season.