Summer Theatre at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - 15 May 2007

Issued By: The National Trust

Issue Date: 15 May 2007

This summer experience the drama and delights of open air theatre at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal.

The twelfth century abbey ruins have provided a magical back drop for Fountains' summer theatre for several years and Illyria, the internationally acclaimed outdoor theatre company, make a welcome return in 2007 to perform Much Ado About Nothing, Robin Hood and The Wind in the Willows.

Much Ado About Nothing opens the summer theatre programme on Saturday 9th June, with Benedick and Beatrice engaging in a 'merry war' of wits to out-smart and out-insult each other in the abbey cloister.

The outlaw Robin Hood arrives to entertain the crowds on Saturday 30th June, and in so doing revisits one of his Merry Men's original homes; it is widely believed that Friar Tuck was a Friar at Fountains Abbey before defecting for a life of adventure with the hooded do-gooder.

Finally on 1st August children of all ages will enjoy Illyria's adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. The West Abbey Green with the river Skell flowing alongside will become home to good hearted Ratty, gentle natured Mole, no nonsense Mr Badger and the one and only, never to be forgotten, utterly outrageous Toad. What better venue could there be to sit back, relax and soak up their tales of friendship, adventure and messing about on the river.

So bring a rug and your picnic hamper and let the professionals entertain you as you settle down for a memorable summers evening in the tranquil surroundings of

Tickets, priced between £10 and £15, are available now, telephone the Box Office on 01670 773939 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events to book online. Limited tickets available on the gate.

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. Images of Illyria attached

Press Contact: Jenny Coupland, Marketing & Events Officer. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Estate Office, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY. Tel 01765 643199 Fax 01765 601002 Email jenny.coupland@nationaltrust.org.uk