Where better to watch two of William Shakespeare's best-loved plays than the romantic, atmospheric and picturesque gardens of the Royal Pavilion?

The rich scent of flowers at twilight and the magical silhouette of the Pavilion promise to make the event a stunning sensory experience.

Audiences can enjoy moonlit productions of Romeo And Juliet on July 16, 17 and 20 and A Midsummer Night's Dream on July 18, 19 and 21.

Dancer Wayne Sleep and 18-year-old Rebecca Ritters, who played Hannah Martin in Neighbours, are the stars of the city's first Shakespeare festival.

Sleep has danced in the ballet and opera version of A Midsummer Night's Dream but makes his theatrical debut as the spritely Puck. He also plays Friar Francis in Romeo And Juliet.

Rebecca travelled from Australia to star as Juliet and a fairy in A Midsummer Night's Dream but will now stay on in the UK after securing a part in Coronation Street.

She will play a backpacker who arrives in Manchester for the Commonwealth Games.

Director Rob J. Williamson, who is considered to be the Kenneth Branagh of open-air Shakespeare, says the cast is exceptional.

"I'm really lucky to be working with such talent. They have got bags of passion and they really know how to get a laugh out of Shakespeare."

For many years, Rob has longed to transform the gardens into an inspiring outdoor theatre.

"My girlfriend is from Brighton and I instantly fell in love with the place. I remember walking through the Pavilion Gardens one summer evening, thinking 'this would be the most incredible place to stage open-air Shakespeare'."

Rob has toured open-air Shakespeare around the UK for eight years. Last year, his production of Hamlet attracted crowds of more than 15,000 to Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds.

Rob, who not only directs but also plays leading roles in both plays says: "The plays are extremely popular with everyone from groups of young people to families with children and senior citizens.

"Tickets are selling extremely well. Some dates have nearly sold out so people need to get their tickets quickly."

Although the sun seems to have cancelled its summer holiday to the British shores, Rob remains optimistic about the weather.

"I've done 500 performances and I've never cancelled due to rain. The only reason I would cancel was if there was lightning.

"We sell Pac-a-macs and people can bring umbrellas if they're worried but it will take more than a bit of rain to stop the show. Hopefully, we'll have glorious summer evenings and burning red skies."

The plays are performed by an ensemble cast of 16 professional actors dressed in period costume. An opera singer will flood the garden with haunting requiems and musicians will accompany the drama.

Tickets cost between £13 and £16 and are available in advance or on the night. Call the Dome box office on 01273 709709. The show starts at 7.30pm. For more information, visit www.openairshakespeare.com