VICTORIAN house Witley Court near Worcester is the setting for a new version of William Shakespeare's romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet on July 5 and 6.

The performances will mark the start of English Heritage's season of open air theatre, which takes place throughout the summer in the West Midlands.

A classic retelling by Heartbreak Productions promises an emotionally-charged play that is at once charming, violent, passionate and brutal.

English Heritage's marketing manager Andrea Fox said: "The remains of the Victorian mansion at Witley Court are particularly haunting on long summer evenings, filling visitors with a sense of both romance and loss, so it seems only fit to bring the world's most famous tragedy to this fantastic site."

Tickets for the two performances are now available from the Witley Court's visitor centre. Prebooking is highly recommended by calling 01299 896636. Admission is £12 for adults or £10 for concessions and children. The play starts at 7.30pm, with the gates opening at 6.30pm.

l Witley Court also hosts The Railway Children on July 20 and 21 for those aged six-years-old and upwards.

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £10 for children. Call 01299 896636 to prebook.