WHALLEY Abbey is the picturesque venue for live theatre this summer as Pendle Productions’ professional actors roll up for a season of merriment.

It starts on Saturday, July 19 (with performances at 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm) when Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger row into town with their tale of river folk and life on the water in the classic Wind In the Willows.

This is followed by a new musical on Sunday, August 3 (12.30 pm and 2.30 pm) with The Dragon Who Lost His Home, a wonderful family tale with an eco message about Eric the dragon’s search for a new home. It features a 12ft mother dragon and seven foot baby.

Finishing the season on Sunday, August 17 (12.30pm and 2.30pm) is a musical production of Alice’s Adventures Through The Looking Glass, an opportunity to meet Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Red and White Queens, Humpty Dumpty and join in the songs of the Walrus and the Carpenter, the Jabberwocky and the White Knight. Visitors may even be invited to dine at the Red Queen’s palace or share some plum cake with the Lion and the Unicorn.

Pendle Productions have been touring with their summer theatre for nearly 30 years and last year featured on BBC Breakfast Television.

“The move for more theatre to play outside venues has created touring networks throughout the length and breadth of the UK with some fantastic scenic backdrops,” said company director Tim Lince. “Whalley Abbey is such a beautiful environment for this type of family theatre.”

Tickets can be booked from www.whalleytickets.co.uk or the box office on 01253 792930. Shows will continue regardless of weather with shelter being offered under large marquees.