AN OPEN-AIR production of the award-winning West End comedy Art will be staged at Somerley House, near Ringwood, this month.

Written by French playwright Yasmena Reza and translated by Christopher Hampton, the play bout three friends who fall out in an argument about a minimalist white painting was a huge success both in London and on subsequent provincial tours.

The production at Somerley, the stately home of the Earl of Normanton, will be directed by the actor Nigel Havers, one of the stars of the original play.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Nigel said he was excited about working with the latest cast, Tom Sykes, Kyle Reece and David Chittenden.

He added: "The guys are really very good. We auditioned everyone on different combinations to see how they worked together and I know we have a fine ensemble."

Art will be staged in the Walled Garden on August 18 as part of the Chapterhouse Theatre Company's summer open-air tour. Richard Horridge, general manager at Somerley said: "The Walled Garden is an idyllic setting for outdoor plays and music, positioned in the middle of magnificent parkland. We hope to build up an extensive programme over the next two to three years."

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