ONE of the star outfits of open air theatre return to a favoured haunt next week.

Rolling up their theatrical sleeves for a double dose of quality shows, the performers of popular award-winning touring company, Illyria, are back at Brantwood’s scenic lakeside meadow overlooking Coniston Water and the fells, this year staging Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice on Tuesday, July 24, followed on Tuesday, August 21, by The Adventures of Dr Dolittle.

The Bard's Merchant of Venice is a funny play that deals with serious issues, particularly the keeping of promises. It tells of wealthy Antonio borrows money from Shylock, and both are so confident about his paying it back that they jokingly adopt a ridiculous agreement: that Antonio will give Shylock a pound of his flesh should he default. Then events conspire against him so that he cannot repay the loan. Meanwhile, Bassanio risks everything in the hope of winning the hand of Portia in marriage. Admittedly he succeeds - but when she gives him a ring to keep, and he is compelled to give it away, what future for their domestic bliss?

Shakespeare’s great drama is by turns gripping, funny, romantic and thought-provoking and international award-winning Illyria promises a production to keep theatregoers on the edge of their seats.

Illyria's second helping needs little introduction either: the much-loved Adventures of Dr Dolittle.

Hugh Lofting's children's classic is about Doctor John Dolittle of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, who is taught by his wise old parrot Polynesia how to talk to animals. News of his skills spreads far and wide and soon animals across the world send messages asking for his help. So, he buys a leaky old ship and, together with his trusty pet-crew of Jip the dog, Chee-Chee the monkey, Dab-Dab the Duck and permanently hungry Gub-Gub the pig, sets forth on a mission to heal illness, spread compassion and gain a greater understanding of the animal kingdom.

Apparently, the show has been put together by the same Illyria team who produced an entire menagerie of animal puppets in Danny the Champion of the World and a lifesize T-Rex in The Lost World.

Gates open at 6pm with performances starting at 7pm.

To book and for further information telephone Brantwood on 015394-41396.

Coniston Launch is providing a ferry service to Brantwood for both shows leaving Coniston boatlandings at 6.15pm. Boat places need to be pre-booked through Brantwood.