OPEN-air touring company Heartbreak Productions storms into summer with its forceful and shocking interpretation of Richard III next week.

The play charts the 13 years of Richard's determined desperation to gain the English throne and will be performed in period costume with original music.

Deformed, depraved and pitiless, Richard is a charismatic killer who charms, manipulates and appals as he casually disposes of potential rivals in quick succession.

His ruthless exploits are supported by spin doctor the Duke of Buckingham and the two set about creating their own graveyard until their own relationship spectacularly implodes.

Richard III is the company's 14th open-air production and follows the successes of A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by Eastenders actress Louise Jameson and Much Ado About Nothing under the baton of James Bolam.

The play is being staged at Brueton Park, central Solihull, on Wednesday, July 24 from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £6 or £4 in advance from the Solihull Arts Complex box office on 0121 704 6962 or on the gate.