ADAPTED by Illyria Outdoor Theatre's director Oliver Gray, the towering literary classic Ali Baba and The Forty Thieves takes place on Tuesday (August 20, 6.30pm) at Brantwood, Coniston. 

The story tells of young Ali Baba over-hearing the magic words 'Open Sesame' after stumbling across an enchanted cave. Inside he finds untold treasures of gold and jewels and takes some of it home to show his wife. She chides him for stealing it, but can he keep the secret from his jealous brother? And when the Robber King and his army of 40 angry thieves realise the treasure is missing will he and his family survive? 

This play is perfect summer fun for thieves and vagabonds aged five and over. Gates open 6pm. 

Box office 015394-41396. 

Tickets: Adults £12; children/students £8. 

 

A NEW version of Chekov's Uncle Vanya called Dear Uncle, adapted by Alan Ayckbourn, is showing at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, well into the autumn. This is the fifth play to be released adding to the summer rep series and is set in Ennerdale in 1935. Sonya, aged 16 and Uncle Marcus live a quiet life with occasional visits from the dashing Dr Ash. But this summer is different. Sonya's elderly father shows up with his glamorous new wife and before long chaos has broken out. Opening tomorrow (Friday) until November 3. 

Box office 017687-74411. 

Tickets from £10. 

 

CARLISLE welcome's its first ever Fake Festival on Saturday (August 17) at Bitts Park. A brilliant day of live music, rocking to six pro-level tribute bands: Flash (Queen); Kazabian (Kasabian); Guns2Roses (Guns n Roses); The Jam'd (The Jam); Aladdinsane (Bowie) and Kings of Lyon (Kings of Leon) - so good, they're almost the real deal! Main action takes place inside the purpose-built giant marquee, perfect to sing-along to those spine-tingling, rock anthems. Outside the marquee is the Entertainment Zone, a large fenced area for entertainment stands to keep kids and festival goers amused, plus the all-important food stands that are essential for keeping the audience fed in true festival style. 

www.fakefestivals.co.uk 

Tickets: Adults £30 (Gate £40); young (10-17yrs) £22.50 (£30); family (2 adults, 2 children) £82.50. 

Children (0-9yrs) enter for free (no ticket needed) when accompanied by a paying adult. Maximum of two children per adult. 

 

THE All England Stone Skimming Championships take place at Fell Foot Park, near Newby Bridge, on Saturday (August 15, 11am-4pm). This popular event is the country’s official championship, so the winners’ names enter the official record books. The beauty of the All England Stone Skimming championships is that absolutely anyone can enter. There’ll also be children’s activities, beer tent and ice creams. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fell-foot/features/all-england-stone-skimming-championships-at-fell-foot. 

 

RUSLAND Show and Sports takes place on Saturday (August 17, 11.30am) at Whitestock Meadow, Rusland. A full programme of events for all the family is on offer, from races for men and ladies, a Dog with the Waggiest Tail competition, children’s events – fell and track races, pet show, fancy dress, obstacle course and not forgetting the hound trails and tug-of-war. Cash prices for adult races. 

Events start at 12.20pm.  

Details at www.ruslandshow.org.uk. 

Entrance: Adults £5; children (U16) £1. 

 

LAKELAND Country Fair on Sunday (August 18, noon) at Little Arrow, Torver, near Coniston. As well as being a typical Cumbrian show, the Lakeland Country Fair acts as a showcase for traditional Cumbrian skills and activities. There will be Herdwick sheep on display and demonstration of hand-clipping. 

The main ring display features the British Falconry School who will give a demonstration of the use of birds of prey when hunting. Other activities include Terrier racing, a Lurcher and Whippet show, dog show, childrens’ sports, stick show, Foxhound show and Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling. 

As well as fell races for adults and juniors. 

The Lakeland Country Fair offers something for all the family - as well as numerous Trade Stands there is a childrens' area with bouncy castle, roundabout and other sideshows. There is a licensed bar, home-made refreshments and a barbecue. 

www.lakelandcountryfair.co.uk 

Admission: Adults £6; children £3.