Joy is in the air and nobody is taking life too seriously at Frome's Merlin theatre as the town's much-loved community venue, with both indoor and outdoor auditoriums, has most certainly shaken off a long hard winter to soak up the summer fun!

Sunny predictions are all round as the theatre gets into the full swing of the Frome Festival - including Abba sound-alike band, SOS, on 11th July, offering a 'Night on the Stones'.  This joyful, hip-swinging Abba-lovers band is 'gert local'.  Headed up by the Merlin's own Director, Claudia Pepler, as Agnetha, with long-term Frome resident and popular community theatre Producer, Anne Dimery, playing Anni-Frid.

Music continues to be the theme for youngsters and families, as Rocktopus bring Rocktocadamy to town on 15 July, teaching kids the '10 skills' needed to become a true rockstar and for laughter, literature, costume drama and theatre-lovers, the award-winning, national touring company Illyria have included Frome again on a huge summer tour of their hilarious adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.  The UK's longest-running outdoor theatre company will bring their famous energetic, joke-filled sparkle to the evening of 14 July. Patrons are encouraged to bring picnics and rugs and make a night of it as the sun sets and the giggles rise.

For the full line up of dates, times and other shows coming to the Merlin this summer go to www.merlintheatre.co.uk