INNOVATIVE Ellesmere Port-based theatre companies Chalice Productions and The Boaty Theatre Company have been selected by The Royal Shakespeare Company to take two of their reimagined classics down to Stratford-upon-Avon this summer.

These productions will be performed twice a day as part of the RSC's Dell Festival in June and August and, most excitingly, Chalice Productions have been given the honour of opening the festival on Saturday, June 1.

Artistic director Laura J Harris said: "This is a really exciting time for us, and to be awarded the coveted spot of actually opening such a renowned and nationally – sorry, internationally! – recognised festival is just incredible."

But, if Stratford-upon-Avon is a little too far to travel, theatre-goers needn't fear as both of these acclaimed contemporary adaptations will be performed closer to home, at the Bridge Farm Community Wellness Gardens, Mill Lane, Ellesmere Port.

The matinee and the evening performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream will be staged at Bridge Farm on Saturday, June 8 at 3pm and 7.30pm respectively.

Likewise, Much Ado About Nothing will be performed on Saturday, August 10 at 3pm and 7pm.

Clair Johnson, manager at Bridge Community Wellness Gardens, said: "We are so delighted to be welcoming these incredible, award-winning companies to perform their outdoor adaptations here!

"They all work so hard and should be incredibly proud of all they have achieved, putting our town on the map as they have and representing Ellesmere Port in 'Shakespeare's back garden' down in Stratford!

"We hope that 'Shakespeare at the Farm' will be something that runs year after year here at Bridge Farm."

Tickets for both productions are available now on Eventbrite or via the company's websites at www.chalicemediagroup.com and www.boatytheatre.co.uk.

More information and links to tickets can also be found via Facebook. Tickets will be available on the door and from Bridge Farm directly, but, booking in advance is strongly advised.

Ticket holders are also encouraged to bring clothing suitable for all weather, suncream and ponchos/raincoats, but not to bring umbrellas.

Tickets are priced £5 per person or £15 for a family ticket (two adults and up to four children), and £10 per person including picnic box (including fresh produce from Bridge Farm). Hot food is also available to purchase from the cafe.