The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced that for the first time it will be bringing three productions to six regional theatres next year - and has chosen one in Kent.

The plays will come to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury next year having opened at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon this year.

It is the first time the acclaimed company has toured three productions with the same company of actors. The three plays, which will be put on for two weeks, will be As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew and Measure for Measure.

The company will feature 27 actors, who will each appear in two of the three productions and will be made up of 50/50 men and women.

As You Like It will be directed by Kimberley Sykes; The Taming of the Shrew by Justin Audibert, and Measure for Measure by RSC artistic director, Gregory Doran.

Gregory Doran said: "We have worked hard to assemble a company of actors which reflects the nation in ways it has never done before. Featuring a 50/50 gender balanced ensemble, we have brought together talent... reflecting both the ethnic, geographical and cultural diversity of Britain today and those artists that are underrepresented on our stages."

RSC deputy artistic director Erica Whyman added: "We want as many people as possible to see our work, and we really believe Shakespeare should be for everyone. I’m delighted that this new tour will give audiences the chance to see not just one production, but our wonderful company of actors in three very different plays."

The RSC will be at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from Wednesday, January 29 to Saturday, February 8, 2020. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, March 20 to theatre members, and to the general public on Monday, April 8. To book visit marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.