The Chesil Theatre, Winchester, is calling all Merry Men, and Merry Women, for their summer production, Robin Hood.

Following the success of Three Musketeers in 2014, they are returning to the gardens of Wolvesey Palace with the swashbuckling adventures of Robin and his Merry Men.

Weary from The Crusades, Robin of Loxley returns to Nottingham to marry his childhood sweetheart, Lady Marion, and claim his family inheritance. Instead he finds a much changed country where the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham and his henchman, Sir Guy of Gisbourne, ride roughshod over the lives and freedoms of the citizens. Can Robin, aided by his new comrades and the plucky Lady Marion, bring peace and justice back? All their archery and sword fighting skills will be put to the test if they are to succeed.

Audiences can expect the unexpected and lots of laughs in this version, written by Jonathan Edgington, which cleverly combines the traditional elements of the legend with exciting new material.

Jonathan, a Chesil member, has written 26 plays which have been performed in diverse and interesting locations all over the world.

"There are more than 30 characters to cast," said Director, Martin Humphrey, "with lots of opportunities for actors of all ages. "Rehearsals will be great fun, especially the ones where we practise with the swords and the bows and arrows!"

Readings take place tomorrow, Sunday and Monday at 7.45pm at Chesil Theatre.

Newcomers are always welcome.

The production will take place from July 12 to 16.

For more details, visit chesiltheatre.org.uk