A COMPANY of travelling actors will be recreating the magic of Alice's Wonderland at Rydal Hall, in the heart of the Lake District, this weekend.

The players of the Mystical Magical Theatre Group are inviting visitors to follow them around the beautiful gardens and grounds at Rydal, with a surprise around every corner, this Saturday and Sunday (May 28 and 29).

Rydal Hall head gardener Kate Jackson and her team have been working on planting designs to mirror the interactive show, the Alice in Wonderland Magical Experience. "Dare you take a trip down the rabbit hole and drink the magical shrinking potion?" said Kate. "Would you like an invitation to the Mad Hatter’s tea party, or how about challenging the life-sized chess pieces to a real-life game? This will be a really spectacular interactive performance."

Hour-long shows will be performed throughout the weekend. Simply turn up on the day and buy a ticket for the next performance at the marquee in front of the hall.

Dotted around the gardens will be works of art inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic books, created by the Lakes Collective of Artists and Designer Makers for their Alice Project.

The Bishop Bulley Barn in the grounds of Rydal Hall is also hosting a showcase of work by this talented bunch of 25 painters, printmakers, sculptors, woodworkers, ceramicists, textile artists, silversmiths, jewellers, glassworkers, bookbinders and cabinet makers.

The exhibition is open every day until Monday (May 30) from 10am to 5pm. Admission free.