LOVE, magic and mischief will reign when Shakespeare is performed in the newly re-opened garden of the Commandery.

A combined cast of professional and local amateur actors will star in A Midsummer Night's Dream next month.

The eagerly awaited open-air production will be the first of many as Shakespeare At The Commandery is due to be an annual event.

Directing what is probably one of Shakespeare's most popular and widely performed plays will be Chris Jaeger, chief executive of Worcester Live.

Mr Jaeger will also appear as Philostrate.

"Shakespeare at the Commandery is planned as a yearly event, and I hope that there will be one for at least the next 500 years," he said. "Those who come to the first year will be making history".

The intention is to make the show as thoroughly entertaining and appealing to all as possible.

"Audiences are encouraged to take picnics, drinks and come early to enjoy live pre-show entertainment.

The play brings to life the earthy world of warring fairies, mismatched lovers and magic spells.

Familiar faces from the Swan Theatre Amateur Company will be performing alongside Simon Atkins, head of drama at King's School, Worcester, who is taking on the role of Bottom, and Liz Grand, assistant director of Worcester Live, who will play Titania.

Professional actors Jonathon Derby, Richard Curnow and Simon Bell will play Oberon, Puck and Lysander respectively. A Midsummer Night's Dream runs at The Commandery from Tuesday, June 12, until Saturday, June 23. Gardens open for picnics and pre-show entertainment an hour and a half before each performance.

Tickets, priced £13.50, are available from Worcester Live box office on 01905 611427 and via www.worcesterlive.co.uk