THE world-renowned Shakespeare’s Globe On Tour is to make its first ever visit to the region in the summer – to Bungay in Suffolk.

The town’s Fisher Theatre has secured a four-night visit by the company during the town’s annual Bungay festival in July, when four open-air performances of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, As You Like It, will be performed in the beautiful grounds of Bungay Castle.

The performances by the historic London Globe Theatre’s touring wing will be on the castle bailey and are expected to bring more than 1800 theatre-goers from throughout East Anglia to the town.

The Fisher Theatre is encouraging people to pack their picnic rug and sun-cream (or waterproofs and hot toddies!) and join the troupe of travelling players.

Theatre manager Les Hoare said it was the enterprise of treasurer Sandra Cox that had secured the coup for Bungay.

“She had held the idea of inviting the Globe to Bungay for some considerable time and approached them with the plan to stage the production on the castle bailey. We were absolutely delighted when the final contracts were signed for this really sums up what we at The Fisher always strive to achieve - the best possible events for Bungay.

“If you like Shakespeare and you want to see it performed by world class actors in a setting that recreates the excitement and vivacity of an Elizabethan travelling performance, it doesn’t get better than this! We were particularly keen to promote a production suitable for all ages and As You Like It certainly fits the bill.”

It will be The Globe’s first ever visit – it has never been to north Suffolk or Norfolk, and Mr Hoare said it was certain to attract visitors from right across East Anglia.

He added: “What a great coup for the town and what a fantastic start to the 2011 Bungay Festival.”

Performances, which last two and a half hours, will be on July 6-9, at 7.30pm each night.

The theatre’s coup has been widely welcomed by local businesses and organisers of the Bungay Festival, who were kept informed as negotiations progressed.

As You Like It was first staged at the original Globe in its opening year, 1599, and sits between the earlier comedies and later romances. It is Shakespearian comedy at its finest, mixing slapstick with witty philosophy, cross-dressing with love notes and shepherds with courtiers.

Rosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, falls in love with Orlando at a wrestling match, but her usurping uncle, jealous of her popularity, banishes her from court.

Disguised as a boy she seeks out her father and his friends in the Forest of Arden. Here she meets Orlando again, and under the guise of a young man, counsels him in the art of love.

As You Like It runs the glorious gamut of pastoral romance: cross-dressing and love-notes; poetry and brilliant conversation; gentle satire, slapstick and passion.

The castle bailey will be open from 6pm and all four performances will commence at 7.30pm. Tickets are �17.50 and �12 (Children). Tickets can be booked through the theatre box office in person or by phone on 01986 897130 (11am - 3pm daily except Sunday) or online at www.fishertheatre.org