Theatre lovers in Frinton will get the chance of experiencing a Shakespeare comedy in the open air this summer.

Tendring District Council (TDC) is teaming up with MT Productions to put on The Merry Wives of Windsor.

It will feature a mix of both professional actors and local performers and stars John D Collins, best known for his role as Flt Lt Fairfax in the BBC TV’s hit comedy ‘Allo! ‘Allo!

Local theatre groups, schools and members of the public will also have the chance to take part and details of how to get involved will be announced soon.

Bursary placements will be offered to young and upcoming actors, actresses, designers and technicians. So if you are over 16 and looking for a career in the performing arts keep checking www.mtproductions.co.uk for further information.

The producers are also looking for local sponsorship and any businesses interested in finding out more should visit the same website.

The plan so far is to perform the comedy on Saturday June 6 and 7 with three venues across Frinton staging one part each of a new rendition.

The team hopes to start at St Marys Church, then Frinton Free Church for part two and onto the Greensward for the final part at dusk. The same format will be repeated each day.

Entry to the promenade production will be free, with the first part in St Marys Church garden so there is the chance to enjoy the sunshine and take along a picnic.

Mark Platt, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture, Leisure and Events, said it should be a fun experience.

“We like to offer free shows over the summer months and when MT Productions approached us following the success of their 2014 Frinton Summer Theatre anniversary season we couldn’t refuse,” he said.

“It is such a different idea and we are sure it will be thoroughly enjoyable.”

Matthew Townshend said the company prides itself in offering something new and exciting.

“The concept of open air theatre has really taken off so we thought we’d take the idea and build on it, creating something for all the family,” he added.

The production will replace Theatre on the Greensward which has been put on in Frinton for the past few years.