Countdown to Keswick Theatre summer season

I POPPED in to Keswick Theatre this morning and discovered what delights are in store for the summer season. This beautiful theatre set by Derwentwater raises the bar each year with its popular productions in the main house and more cutting shows in the studio. The curtain goes up on the summer shows on May 28 with Michael Frayn's farce Noises Off. This is certain to be a crowd pleaser for tourists and locals alike. The main action takes place behind the scenes at an am-dram performance and we get to see the - worryingly all-too familiar - problems, politics and scandals that happen behind the scenes.

In the main house from June 10 will be another big smash, Noel Coward's Hay Fever. This is English comedy at its most traditional and its best with the mistaken identities, mix-ups and other ingredients which allow Coward's wit to shine through.

For those who like their theatre a bit more edgy watch out for The Blue Room (from May 28) and Someone Who'll Watch Over Me (from August 5). Also watch out for the black comedy Dumb Show from June 17.

And if all that wasn't enough there's another treat with the world premiere of Keep Smiling Through - a wander down nostalgia avenue with Lisa Evans looking at life in Keswick during World War II.

You'll find full details of the summer season on the theatre website or pop in to the theatre and pick up a brochure.

But before the summer season starts, it is time once again for the Keswick Mountain Festival which starts today and runs until May 22. See their website for full details of events.

* Start the perfect evening with a meal in Keswick (or in the theatre) and then a walk down to the lake before settling down for a night's quality theatre.