Stafford Festival Shakespeare prepares to get underway with The Tempest - in pictures

After months of hard work, preparation and rehearsals, thousands are expected to descend on the open-air surroundings of Stafford Castle over the next few weeks.

Organisers say it is set to be one of the best and most ambitious shows since it started in 1991.

Produced by Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, it will be showcased from June 22 until July 8, featuring the likes of Stephen Beckett, known for appearing in Coronation Street and The Bill and Richard Gibson of BBC hit sitcom series 'Allo 'Allo!

Ticket sales are on par with previous years, according to producer Derrick Gask – who says guests can expect an evening of music, song, dance and huge amounts of hilarious comedy over the 16 show stint.

The 42-year-old said: "Its quite interesting that we are setting the show in Somalia and yesterday in Mogadishu it was 28C and Stafford Castle was 29C. So its warmer here than in Africa.

"The last finishing touches are being made now but the paint brushes are still out and staple guns are still stapling. Thank goodness the weather has been really kind but its been incredibly hot.

"We're on par with previous years with ticket sales which is promising, and the weather forecast is having a positive affect on selling.

"The Tempest is a great show and a great play. Its his very last play and his writing is at his very best. It has got all the best bits that Shakespeare had to offer. This year’s show is set to be one of our best yet."

The twentieth century era production of The Tempest will be set against the backdrop of the glamour and elegance of the 1930s, say organisers.

Acknowledged as Shakespeare’s final solo play, The Tempest is widely celebrated as one of The Bard’s most enchanting works.

The show will open tonight at 8pm, then again at the same time on Friday and Saturday before the first ever Sunday show at 5pm.

A full list of shows are available on the festival website.

Mr Gask added: "Its one of our most ambitious shows I'd certainly say with all the magic elements. We've been working with allusion specialists Morgan and West and there's music, song, dance routines – the set what we've created is a really great platform for which to perform on.

"We can't wait to get the show open and we're all incredibly proud of the show. Everyone has worked so hard to get it there and now we just need an audience!"

Tickets for Stafford Festival Shakespeare's production of The Tempest start from £13.50.

Full information, including this year’s catering options, can be obtained from the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.com