The Lord Chamberlain’s Men will present Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It in the grounds of Chawton House on July 14 at 7pm.

Audience members are encouraged to take a chair, a picnic and a glass of something chilled for an authentic, excellent and magical treat.

Artistic director and producer Peter Stickney said: “Experiencing Shakespeare’s productions outside, where he first saw them, is a truly special thing.

“As the light fades and the moon shines bright, it is thrilling to think we are looking at the same moon Shakespeare did while we listen to words he wrote more than 400 years ago.

“We have been lucky enough to make and enjoy theatre in special outdoor settings for many years and I hope those looking to experience top-quality theatre will join us to enjoy this unique theatrical experience.”

Speaking about what the audience can expect, he added: “As You Like It is a wonderfully warm, funny and rich play.

“We follow our main characters as they flee or are exiled from the court to set up new lives in the Forest of Arden.

“There they find love, freedom and ultimately happiness. There is clearly much to be said for running away to the countryside and starting again.

“There will be plenty of songs and laughs, some classic Shakespearean cross-dressing confusion and a spot of wrestling.”

This play has one of Shakespeare’s strongest and most recognised heroines, Rosalind.

Determined, passionate and with a razor-sharp wit, she refuses to be brought down by her circumstances and the world around her.

When she is exiled from the court, she disguises herself by dressing up as the shepherd Ganymede and sets about the challenge of solving everyone’s problems and, eventually, even her own.

Peter said: “In our production, as in Shakespeare’s day, there will be an extra layer of fun and intrigue as a man will be playing a woman who is dressed as a man while, at times, pretending to be a woman!”

For tickets, priced £10 to £17, visit https://tinyurl.com/4hyapybp