THE highly acclaimed theatre touring company, Three Inch Fools, are bringing a musical take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing to Abbotsford’s gardens this summer.

Armed with all manner of musical instruments, The Fools present an inventive take on Shakespeare’s rip-roaring comedy of quarrels, deceptions and a frustratingly stupid man called Dogberry.

Expect a fast-paced, musically-driven show, using all sorts of different instruments, plenty of multi-rolling and many a quick costume change along the way!

The troupe of five actors will perform in the South Court at Abbotsford on Friday, July 12, at 7pm, with the gardens open for picnics at 6pm.

The Three Inch Fools was founded in 2015 by Cumbrian brothers James and Stephen Hyde with the aim of bringing physically charged and musically driven productions of Shakespeare’s plays to a host of unique and historical locations across the UK.

Three Inch Fools co-founder and producer James told us: "Abbotsford is part of what is our most extensive tour to-date.

“Performing at such a wide variety of different venues means that we get to meet audiences from all over the country – and with more and more people coming each year we are proud to be a word of mouth hit.

"It’s lovely to see ever more families and younger audience members in the crowd.”

Much Ado About Nothing runs at Abbotsford on July 12 at 7pm.

Tickets cost £16 (£14 concessions & friends), under-16s £8 and are available online from www.scottsabbotsford.com.

Tickets can also be booked by phone on 01896 752043 or in person at the Abbotsford Visitor Centre.

In the event of rain, the outdoor performance will still go ahead, so visitors need to dress for the weather.

They should also bring their own blankets or chairs to sit on, or they can order a picnic rug, Prosecco and strawberries to pick up on arrival.