THE picturesque setting of Batsford Arboretum is the venue for an al fresco performance of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The Rivals tomorrow (Friday).

Satirising 18th century pretensions and sentimentality, the play features larger than life characters including the immortal Mrs Malaprop "with her select words so ingeniously misapplied, without being mispronounced".

Batsford Arboretum at Bourton-on-the-Hill provides a magnificent setting for the performance by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company.

Take a picnic and chairs or rugs and cushions and sit back to enjoy this classic comedy.

Gates open at 6pm for picnics. The play starts at 7.30pm. Tickets can be booked on 01386 701441.