AMATEUR theatre lovers can look forward to a season of diverse outdoor performances this summer.

Shakespeare fans can enjoy some of the Bard's best-known works in the delightful setting of Titchfield Abbey as Titchfield Festival Theatre presents three of his masterpieces almost back-to-back.

The season begins in June with Romeo and Juliet followed in July by another tale of love with the feisty Taming of the Shrew. The final production in August is the classic tale of disguise and love conquering all As You Like It.

Even if the British summer doesn't behave itself, theatre goers can remain dry and warm under the plastic dome that Titchfield Festival Theatre invested in last season.

Another abbey forms the backdrop for Maskers Theatre Company's summer production of The Scarlet Pimpernel. The group will perform in the open air at Mottisfont Abbey near Romsey from Wednesday, July 16 to Saturday, July 26.

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a tongue-in-cheek, fast-moving swashbuckler of a play with a dash of romance.

It is set in 1792 when France is in the grip of the reign of terror with aristocrats being condemned to death by the guillotine. Sir Percy Blakeney - "that damned elusive Pimpernel!" - and his English companions come to the rescue, with the dastardly Chavelin in hot pursuit back and forth across the Channel.

The performance on July 19 has been designated Gala Night, with audiences invited to dress in red, white or blue and enjoy extra attractions.

Under the cover of their own theatre in Winchester, Chesil Theatre will also be serving up some Shakespeare this summer with The Merry Wives of Windsor from June 2-7.