Stafford’s annual Shakespeare production will take place at the Gatehouse Theatre in 2024.

The Bard’s much-loved comedy Twelfth Night will run from 21 June – 7 July after councillors approved a proposal to keep the traditional event in the town centre.

Stafford Borough Council’s cabinet approved the move following the success of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Eastgate Street venue earlier this year.

Stafford Shakespeare producer Mike Groves said: ‘We’re thrilled and delighted by this decision and we can’t wait to give the people of Stafford and beyond another memorable Shakespeare production next year.

‘Approval ratings were incredibly high for A Midsummer Night's Dream and we look forward to building on that huge vote of confidence from our audience and Stafford Borough Council.’

Gatehouse Theatre General Manager Gary Stevens said: ‘It’s fantastic news. A Midsummer Night's Dream was the biggest and best-attended drama production in Gatehouse history, so our aim is to go even higher in 2024.’

The annual productions have been running since 1991 and before this year had been staged at Stafford Castle.

Mr Stevens added: ‘Inclusivity is one of our key values and the theatre is far more accessible than the castle, which makes the performances available to people who would otherwise not be able to attend.

‘In addition, hundreds of local schoolchildren were able to see the production and for many it will have been their first taste of experiencing Shakespeare’s work in a live theatre setting.’

Freedom Leisure Trust is the not-for-profit organisation which manages the Gatehouse on behalf of the borough council and Stafford Area Manager Liz Hulse said: ‘Around 5,500 people came to see A Midsummer Night's Dream, with people travelling from all over the country. It’s a real lift for the bars, hotels, shops and businesses in the town centre to have Stafford Shakespeare in the Gatehouse.

‘There was widespread coverage in the local media, mentions in the national press and we received excellent reviews from critics. In addition, 90 per cent of the audience who gave feedback said the experience and quality was either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’.’

Senior councillors agreed to Twelfth Night being staged at the Gatehouse after looking at infrastructure costs due to the terrain at Stafford Castle and the provisions needed to protect the site’s important historic heritage.

Councillor Gillian Pardesi Cabinet Member for Leisure at Stafford Borough Council, said: ‘The production at the Gatehouse in the summer was impressive; audience feedback was very positive and I am confident we will see a fabulous production in 2024.

‘It was great to hear that people said they were more likely to visit the Gatehouse for other shows - which is more good news and I hope people will continue supporting their local theatre.’

A limited number of Early Bird tickets priced at just £22.00 for Twelfth Night are on sale now at gatehousetheatre.co.uk.