AN OPEN air theatre has announced a jam-packed summer programme of events ahead of its reopening next month.

Tickets are now on sale for the spring and summer season at Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT), with a range of shows on offer, from comedy to opera.

The venue in Dyke Road Park will kick off with a Brighton College production of Shakespeare's Cymbeline on May 19.

Next month will also feature The Lady In The Van, a funny and poignant tale from the same company which produced last year’s smash hit Abigail’s Party, and in June there will be plenty of stand-up shows during the venue's comedy festival, as well as music from Brighton's own maverick guitarist Richard Durrant.

The Argus: Photo: Mark SeniorPhoto: Mark Senior

In July there are extended runs of Shakespeare favourites A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet, while August brings plenty of family friendly productions, including local regulars Brighton Little Theatre’s production of Roald Dahl’s The Twits.

The venue said it will continue to operate with a reduced capacity and social distancing in place until it is safe to start loosening restrictions.

Will Mytum, general manager at BOAT, said: “We can’t wait to welcome audiences back through our gates, after what has been one of the hardest winters in memory.

"With full safety measures in place, we’re confident we can offer an oasis of entertainment for our audiences this summer, to put 2020 squarely in the rear-view mirror.

"With more top-class talent set to grace our stage than ever before, there’s something for all the family to enjoy at BOAT this summer.”

The new season will begin on Wednesday, May 19 and run through until Sunday, September 26.

To view the full programme and book tickets, visit brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk.