ALCESTER'S historic house provides the backdrop for a stately performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night on Saturday.

Coughton Court's Tudor courtyard will become a stage for one of the Bard's most popular comedies brought by the British Touring Shakespeare Company.

The outdoor version is a real romp of mistaken identities, misdirected passions, high comedy and low tricks.

Gates open two hours before the performance, which starts at 7.30pm, so visitors can picnic on the lawn. Tickets cost £10 in advance or £12 on the door with half price entry for children.

To book, call 01789 400777.