A LEADING amateur theatre group will be back in action later this month, entertaining Southampton audiences with an open air production of Shakespeare classic Much Ado About Nothing.

Maskers Theatre's 2021 version will be set in 1930s Italy with fabulous costumes and will star married couple Sam and Anna Hussey as Beatrice and Benedick.

The show was the very first production by Maskers in 1968 and cast from the original production will be coming along to reminisce and enjoy the show.

At that time, Maskers was formed by a break away group from The Wayfarers, another local company and the first production came about because a cast members mother had a set of Shakespearian costumes lying around!

It was later reprised at Mottisfont Abbey to celebrate Maskers silver jubilee year in 1989.

In 2021, not to be beaten by Covid, the cast have rehearsed outside in small groups, dodging the showers.

Much Ado About Nothing will be perofrmed in the lovely grounds of Townhill Park House (Gregg School) between July 20 and 24 before a return to their studio theatre in Shirley in September for a full autumn season.

See maskers.org.uk for full details.