With school holidays on their way and many of us choosing a staycation in our own beautiful county, the Merlin Theatre is taking the business fun for families very seriously this year, with a summer of treats for all.

As well as plenty to watch in the outdoor amphitheatre, the Merlin is also hosting drama summer school students from age 8-18, auditioning this weekend for 'Oliver Jr'

For audiences, the shows start on Wednesday 28th July with Shakespeare's classic 'The Tempest', performed by professional, non-profit, touring company, Folksy Theatre, outdoors. With live music and a touch of magic, it is sure to make this epic, stormy tale appeal to every age group.

The following Saturday, 31st July, brings 'Little Red and the Big Bad Wolf. Suitable for anyone over the age of two, the Merlin theatre is keen to offer audience members the chance to enjoy professional theatre from a very young age so families are encouraged to settle into the outdoor theatre space with their snacks and cushions for an amusing and upbeat afternoon.

If you're youngsters are keen to be ON the stage this popular community venue will be auditioning for local children and young people to be in a production of 'Oliver Jr'.

Aged from just 8 to 18, this adaptation of the Lionel Bart musical, based on Dicken's 'Oliver Twist', and full of classic songs like 'Consider Yourself', 'Food Glorious Food', and 'Oom-Pah-Pah', will perfectly showcases the talents of a brilliant young, local cast.

An intensive summer school rehearsal process runs from 9-21 August with two public performances at the Merlin on the 20th and 21st August.

Auditions for children and young people are this Sunday, 18th July. For details of times and how to apply and cost of the summer school please contact Tri.Art Theatre School on [email protected]

Full details and tickets for the Merlin's upcoming shows, including 'Crimes In Egypt' (3-4th Sept), 'The Spirit of Woodstock (11th Sept), 'Much Ado About Nothing'(5th Aug.) and Gilbert and Sullivan's 'HMS Pinafore' (12th Aug.) are available via their website www.merlintheatre.co.uk