Outdoor theatre returns to the grounds of historic Hertford Castle this month.

With Hertford Castle providing an atmospheric backdrop, visitors can enjoy a day of open-air theatre on the Castle lawn with two performances on Saturday, June 15, organised by Hertford Town Council.

Performed by the Quantum Theatre, the first show, at 2.30pm, will be a family-friendly performance and brand-new adaptation of the much-loved Beatrix Potter Tale, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.

The second show, at 7pm, will be a thrilling new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ enduringly popular novel Great Expectations.

Gates open 30 minutes before each performance and visitors are invited to pitch up a chair, bring along a picnic and sit back to enjoy the show.

Bar and food stalls are also available throughout the performances.

Tickets can be purchased in advance of the event for £12.50 (free for children under two years old) and are available online at www.hertford.gov.uk/events and from the Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre.

Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 01992 584322.

Cllr Ann Woodward, the chairman of the council's development and leisure committee, said: "Hertford Castle is the perfect backdrop for these open-air theatre performances.

"The two plays are particularly suited to the setting and I am sure that both performances will be enjoyed immensely by large audiences.”