Shakespeare festival set to begin in Canterbury

Shakespeare is a reflection of the community, said the festival's organisers

The Canterbury Shakespeare Festival is set to return this summer with five shows across four weeks around the city.

The first performance - The Tempest - is due to open at Tyler Hill House on Thursday.

Other performances at the community-led outdoor event include works by 17th century Canterbury writer Aphra Behn - one the first professional female playwrights, according to organisers.

"They are fantastic plays and fantastic characters," said Canterbury Shakespeare Festival managing director Charlotte Groombridge.

"Even if you have never seen Shakespeare before you will go in and see people you know," she continued.

"Maybe it's your boss who it's hard to get on with or your best friend who is always worrying about things.

"He [Shakespeare] was a master of character, and we really do see ourselves and our community reflected in his plays."

Venues used for the festival, which has run for 11 seasons, include The Mooring Café Island, Tyler Hill House and the Canterbury Hotel.

All members of the company at the event are volunteers, students, residents, or professional or amateur actors who come together from all regions of Kent, organisers added.