A VIBRANT evening of adventure, romance – and rock ‘n’ roll – is promised with an all-singing, all- dancing take on Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

This production is the centrepiece of the Petersfield Shakespeare Festival, now in its fifth season.

The talented company of actors have been honing their skills in rehearsals, singing and dancing their way from the austere Court of Duke Frederick to a funky festival in the Forest of Arden.

The alfresco stage is in the beautiful surroundings of the 17th century Sotherington Barn, in the grounds of Bedales School at Steep.

The first Petersfield Shakespeare Festival, in July 2012, was the brainchild of the school’s then head of drama Jay Green.

Performances of As You Like It are at 2.30pm and 7.45pm on July 28, and at 7.45pm on July 29.

Audience members are encouraged to take a picnic. Drinks can be bought from the Bard’s Bar, in the barn courtyard.

Other productions in the festival are The Buried Moon/Shakespeare’s Lost Women on July 25 and 26, at 7.45pm; The Comedy of Errors, on July 27, at 7.45pm; Romeo and Juliet, on July 30, at 2.30pm; and Twelfth Night, on July 30, at 7.45pm.

Buy tickets at One Tree Books, Lavant Street, or online at www.petersfieldshakespearefestival.co.uk