We know what you did this summer – Ben Kennedy looks ahead to what the Changeling Theatre Company have in store for us.

It’s Shakespeare in the sunshine, just as you like it. Changeling Theatre Company are back this summer with their latest open-air spectacular. This year, it’s everyone’s favourite love story, Romeo and Juliet.

Changeling have been committed to taking theatre beyond the stage since 1997, and will be travelling to some of the most beautiful venues in Kent to present us with a modern spin on a romantic classic.

The theatre group, based in the county, are known for performing in locations that no one would expect, including dockyards, cathedrals, even people’s back gardens.

Rob Forknall, who grew up in Chart Sutton, near Maidstone, has been the artistic director of Changeling since it was founded.

He said: “We have got quite a big following and people come to see more than one performance because it changes every time.

“Our shows are completely accessible to everyone, regardless of what you know about Shakespeare. We make it so people can understand every word.”

The company are well-known for their trademark blends of the traditional and modern.

Rob, who once performed for Prince William, said: “We always take pop-culture references and get them into the show somehow.

“In Romeo you can spot references to things like Game of Thrones.”

Much of the cast of Romeo and Juliet were born and bred in Kent.

Creative mastermind Rob added: “We’ve had a lot of people come in from Kent and we’re all about developing local talent. A lot of the people we work with go on to work in the West End.”

Changeling start touring from Friday, June 27, through to Sunday, August 3.

So, if you fancy a break from the football this summer just bring a picnic and let the drama and sunshine soak in.

ROMEO + JULIET DATES

Walmer Castle, Deal Tuesday, July 1, 7.30pm

Central Park, Dartford Thursday, July 3, 7.30pm

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks Friday, July 4, 7pm

Eastwell Manor, Ashford (no picnics) Sunday, July 6 and Sunday, July 20, 7.30pm

Upnor Castle, Medway: Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9, 7.30pm

Enbrook Park, Sandgate Thursday, July 10, 7.30pm

Belmont House, Faversham Friday, July 11, 7.30pm

Whatman Park, Maidstone Saturday, July 12, 7.30pm

Dandelion Time, East Farleigh Sunday, July 13, 5pm

Biddenden Vineyards, Ashford Wednesday, July 16, 7.30pm

Great Comp Garden, Platt Thursday, July 17, 7.30pm

Tithe Barn, Lenham Friday, July 18, 7.30pm

Main Sands, Margate: Saturday, July 19, 7.30pm - FREE

The Hawth, Crawley Tuesday, July 22, 7pm

Nurstead Court, Meopham Wednesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 31, 7.30pm

Dog and Duck Leisure Park, Plucks Gutter, Stourmouth Thursday, July 24, 7.30pm

The Friars, Aylesford Friday, July 25, 7.30pm

Walled Nursery, Hawkhurst Saturday, July 26, 7.30pm and Sunday, July 27, 5pm

Swarling Manor, Canterbury Tuesday, July 29, 7.30pm

Rochester Castle, Medway Wednesday, July 30, 7.30pm

Boughton Monchelsea Place, Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3, times vary

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The Pantaloons

The Pantaloons are another theatre company that came from this county, where producers Mark Hayward and Caitlyn Storey studied at the University of Kent. Check out when they’re coming to a venue near you with two shows, The Tempest and History of Britain. For more information and bookings, visit www.thepantaloons.co.uk/shows

The Tempest

A unique and hilarious take on Shakespeare’s romantic tale of shipwrecks, sorcerers and silly servants. Expect lots of music, magic and mayhem in one of the world’s best-loved plays with a contemporary twist, while taking in the fresh air.

Leeds Castle, Maidstone: Thursday, July 17 and Friday, July 18, 7pm. Cost: £17 per adult, £12 per child. Not included in price of castle admission ticket

Hall Place and Gardens, Bexley: Wednesday, July 23, 7pm. Cost: £15 per adult, £8 per child

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst: Friday, August 29, 7pm. Cost: £13 per adult, £8 per child, £40 per family

Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham: Monday, August 25, 4pm. Cost: £12.50 per adult, £8 per child, £35 per family of two adults and two children

History of Britain

Harold II and William the Conqueror don’t see eye to eye. Henry VIII decides five marriages just isn’t enough and Queen Victoria is most certainly not amused. This hysterical show is packed with songs, sketches and silliness suitable for all ages.

Godinton House and Gardens, Ashford: Saturday, July 12, 6.30pm. Cost: £15 per adult, £5 per child

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst: Friday, August 22, 7pm. Cost: £13 per adult, £8 per child, £40 per family

Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham: Sunday, August 24, 4pm. Cost: £12.50 per adult, £8 per child, £35 per family of two adults and two children

Rude Mechanical Theatre

The Sussex-based Rude Mechanical Theatre asks ‘what do women really want?’ in their show, The Wife, based on the Wife of Bath’s Tale. Young knight Roland has to search the world to find the answer or face being put to death. This production promises both roars of laughter while tenderly exploring the nature of love and marriage. For tickets, visit www.therudemechanical theatre.co.uk

The Wife (all shows 7.30pm)

Tayne Field, Lyminge: Sunday, July 6. Cost: £13 per adult, £7 per child, £12 per senior, £10 per student, £33 per family of two adults and two children

The Village Hall field, Fairseat, near Sevenoaks: Thursday, July 24. Cost: £13 per adult, £7 per child, £12 per senior, £10 per student, £33 per family of two adults and two children

Tower Hill Tea Gardens, Whitstable: Wednesday, July 30. Cost: £13 per adult, £7 per child, £12 per senior, £10 per student, £33 per family of two adults and two children

Higham Recreation ground, near Gravesend: Thursday, July 31. Cost: £13 per adult, £7 per child, £12 per senior, £10 per student, £33 per family of two adults and two children

Godinton House, near Ashford: Saturday, August 2. Cost: £13 per adult, £7 per child, £12 per senior, £10 per student, £33 per family (2+2)

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ACTING OUT IN THE OPEN

Open-air theatre shows in Kent this summer

BELMONT HOUSE

Cost: £14 per adult, £10 per child or student, £42 for a family of two adults, two children. Under threes go free.

Address: Belmont Park, Throwley, Faversham ME13 0HH

Contact: Visit www.belmont-house.org/events

The Jungle Book by Chapterhouse Theatre Company

In the magical Indian jungle, the arrival of a baby boy changes the animal kingdom forever. After being raised by wolves, Mowgli soon gets well acquainted with jungle life – making friends with bears, monkeys and elephants. But after a man-eating tiger returns to the jungle, Mowgli is forced to return to civilisation. Will he make it back?

When: Sunday, August 17, 2pm

FORT AMHERST

Cost: £9 per adult, £5 per child, £8.50 per senior citizen, £25 per family of two adults, two children

Address: Dock Road, Chatham ME4 4UB

Contact: 0845 4505157 or visit www.quantumtheatre.co.uk

The Tempest by Quantum Theatre

Quantum Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s magical play of love and sorcery, airy spirits and drunken sailors delivers dark forces, young love and illusion.

When: Thursday, August 28, 7pm to 10pm

GOODNESTONE PARK GARDENS

Cost: £14 per adult, £10 per child or student, £42 for a family of two adults, two children

Address: Park View Close, The Street, Goodnestone, Canterbury CT3 1PL

Contact: 01227 787787 or visit www.canterburyticketshop.com

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Chapterhouse Theatre Company

Shakespeare’s comedy tells the tale of two sets of lovers who run away to an enchanted forest. There they meet Puck, a clumsy elf who manages to cause more problems than he solves when sent into the forest to find a magic plant, the juice of which causes someone to fall instantly in love with the first thing they see when they wake up.

When: Friday, July 11, 7pm

HEVER CASTLE

Cost: Various, visit website for details

Address: The Festival Theatre, Hever Castle, Edenbridge TN8 7NG

Contact: 01732 866114 or visit www.hever-festival.co.uk

Anne Boleyn by Bromley Little Theatre

Based on the life of Henry VIII’s second wife, Howard Brenton’s interpretation reveals Boleyn’s ability to influence power within the monarchy and the church through her seductive stranglehold over the king. Performed at the childhood home of Boleyn herself, this is an award-winning production.

When: From Thursday, July 24 to Saturday, July 26, 8pm. Matinee at 3pm on Friday, July 25.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Cambridge Touring Theatre

The quintessentially British tale of childhood and imagination adapted for the stage and sprinkled with catchy and amusing musical numbers, such as A Flea and a Fly in a Flue and Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat. Follow Alice as she meets classic characters like the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter. This energetic performance will be enjoyed by young and old alike.

When: Tuesday, August 5, 2.30pm

It Could Be Any Of Us by Kent Rep Associates

If murder mystery is your bag then Alan Ayckbourn’s acclaimed whodunit could be just the ticket. Set in a manor house on a stormy night, featuring eccentric characters squabbling over the family silver, this production certainly has a whiff of Agatha Christie about it.

When: Thursday, August 28 to Saturday, August 30, 8pm or 2.30pm on Friday, August 29 for matinee.

IGHTHAM MOTE

Cost: £15 per adult, £9 per child

Address: Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT

Contact: 0844 249 1895

Pirates of Penzance by Illyria Theatre

This Gilbert and Sullivan comedy classic centres around Fredric, a young man with his heart set on being a pilot. But due to the error of his hard-of-hearing maid, he was instead sent off to become a pirate with hilarious consequences.

When: Saturday, July 5, 7pm-10pm

Sense & Sensibility by Chapterhouse Theatre Group

Originally set in Kent in the 18th century, Jane Austen’s masterpiece portrays the life of the Dashwood sisters and their journey through love, romance and heartbreak. After their wealthy father dies, Elinor, Marianne and Margaret are left in far from ideal circumstances. Will they ever find true love?

When: Saturday, August 2, 7pm-9pm

George’s Marvellous Medicine by Illyria Theatre

This rip-roaring Roald Dahl favourite is loved by children across the globe. Fed up with his grandma’s new medicine, George decides to create his own using ingredients from around the house. The unpleasant concoction turns his grandma to the size of a house.

When: Saturday, August 30, 5.30pm to 7pm

SCOTNEY CASTLE

Cost: £13.50 per adult, £8 per child or £40 per family

Address: Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN

Contact: 01892 893860

Peter Pan by Heartbreak Productions

Pick your team and help Peter in his quest to bring the dastardly villain Captain Hook and his pirate crew to justice. Whether you’re five or 95, this adaptation guarantees a night full of magic and laughter.

When: Thursday, August 28, 6pm-8.30pm

The Pantaloon’s History of Britain

When: Friday, August 22 and the Tempest on Friday, August 29

SISSINGHURST CASTLE

Cost: £15 per adult, £8 per child

Address: Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, TN17 2AB

Contact: 0844 2491895

Alice Through the Looking Glass by Quantum Theatre

A brand-new adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic. Alice finds herself walking through a magical world of talking chess pieces, meeting odd characters along the way such as Tweedledum, Tweedledee and Humpty Dumpty.

When: Tuesday, August 26, 7pm-9pm