The Lord Chamberlain's Men will perform an outdoor rendition of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet as part of this year's Lichfield Festival programme.

Taking place on Monday 10 July, out on the West Front of Lichfield Cathedral, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men will perform the timeless and classic love story in the open air, with an all-male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.

Two youths from Verona – Romeo and Juliet – meet by chance and instantly fall in love. Members of two warring families, the Montagues and Capulets, they realise they cannot be together. But driven by love they risk everything and marry in secret. No sooner are they married than misfortune intervenes and, despite efforts to outrun it, their families’ ancient feud catches up with them and brings about their tragic end.

Packed with memorable poetry, devastating twists and turns, and burning passion this is without doubt the greatest love story ever told. A play about the power of true love, the extraordinary sacrifices we make for it and the futility and devastating consequences of entrenched conflict.

Guests are encouraged to bring a chair, cushions and/or a blanket, plus a picnic, with tickets priced at £24 (with seat); £18 (bring your own). Tickets are now on sale at thelittleboxoffice.com.

Photo: Jack Offord