‘Merry Wives Of Windsor’ coming to Whalley

It will staged alongside Richard B. Sheridan’s “The Rivals.”

The shows, by Dean Taylor Professional Theatre Productions, will showcase the talents of a 13-strong ensemble of actors and musicians.

“The Merry Wives of Windsor” will also be staged in Blacko.

Having presented “Twelfth Night” last summer, this year offers two firm favourites in the cannon of classical comedy.

“The Merry Wives Of Windsor” tells of the ill-conceived ill-fated endeavours of the errant-apparent Lothario Sir John Falstaff while “The Rivals” features the hilarity and eccentricity of Mrs Malaprop.

The company producer/director Dean Taylor said “This being our 10th year of presenting outdoor Summer Shakespeare we thought we’d push the boat out. No not with ‘The Tempest’ but a brace of comedy gold classics by wondrous playwrights.”

There will be four performances of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and one of “The Rivals.”

The latter will provide evening entertainment preceded by a matinee with the Shakespeare classic.

“The Merry Wives of Windsor” will be shown on Sunday, June 17th, at 2 p.m., Monday, July 9th, at 12-30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Tuesday, July 10th, at 12-30 p.m. “The Rivals” will be shown at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10th.

Audiences can also see two performances of “Merry Wives of Windsor” at Blacko Recreation Ground at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 21st.

Members of the audience are encouraged to arrive early, bring a picnic and something to sit on.

For information and to book call 01772 466256 or buy tickets online at www.shakespearetheatreoutdoors.co.uk.

Tickets are £22.50 for adults, £18 for concessions, £12 for children and £5 for students.