OPEN air theatre comes to Deans Court in June when Wimborne Drama Productions present four performances of She Stoops to Conquer, the classic comedy by Oliver Goldsmith.

Now in their ninth year, Wimborne Drama Productions’ summer plays are described as “an enchanting and popular way to spend a summer’s evening”, and Deans Court provides the perfect setting.

“She Stoops to Conquer has been delighting audiences for nearly 250 years and it is not hard to see why,” says director Richard Neal. “It is witty and warm-hearted with some cracking characters, and being a comedy of errors, there is plenty of chaos and confusion!”

Hardcastle, a country squire, is expecting the arrival of Marlow, the son of an aristocratic friend he’d like to introduce to his daughter Kate, with a view to marriage. But thanks to Hardcastle’s mischievous stepson Tony Lumpkin, Marlow mistakes his prospective father-in-law for an innkeeper, and Kate for the barmaid.

The good news is, while Marlow is entirely tongue-tied and incapable of eye contact with a lady of his own class, he’s an absolute charmer with women of a different stamp. And so, as Hardcastle’s indignation intensifies, Kate’s appreciation for her misguided suitor soars, as she hides her true identity and ‘stoops to conquer’.

Bring a picnic and something to sit on. Performances take place on June 27, 28 and 29 at 7pm and on June 30 at 5pm. Grounds open for picnics 60 minutes before performance starts. Parking is free.

Tickets cost £14 in advance from the Tivoli Theatre box office, 01202 885566 visit tivoliwimborne.co.uk or £15 on the gate (subject to availability, cash sales only). Further information and see wimbornedrama.co.uk