Shakespeare's Globe came to Chilham Castle two years ago with a weekend of performances celebrating its 400th anniversary.

This bank holiday weekend, the company are back with three plays, performed in the open air and making the 17th century castle their first stop on a national and international tour.

Back in Shakespeare's day - shortly before the castle was built - his company tour would also pack up and head out across the county with a small group juggling various roles in three or four plays.

Following in that tradition, and in a first for the theatre, a company of eight will perform The Merchant of Venice, The Taming of the Shrew and Twelfth Night.

On Sunday, May 27, for the matinee, the choice of play will be decided by the audience.

The cast includes: Luke Brady, Steffan Cennydd, Cynthia Emeagi, Sarah Finigan, Colm Gormley, Russell Layton, Rhianna McGreevy and Jacqueline Phillips, with direction from Brendan O’Hea.

Shakespeare's Globe artistic director, Michelle Terry, said: “In the past decade we’ve toured across the world to castles, refugee camps, country houses and theatres. But one thing we never leave behind is the spirit of The Globe – in a shared space with story, storyteller and audience, we celebrate Shakespeare's work with as many people as possible.”

Stuart Wheeler, owner of Chilham Castle, added: “I am so pleased that they have chosen to come to Chilham Castle again. In particular, I shall be very interested to see which play is chosen by the audience for the voters' choice."

Also, as part of Globe Education, there will be workshops and tickets for schoolchildren in Kent on the Friday.

DETAILS

The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare's Globe will be at Chilham Castle on Friday, May 25 at 7pm; Twelfth Night on Saturday, May 26 at 7pm and on Sunday, May 27 at 6pm, and The Taming of the Shrew on Saturday, May 26 at 2pm. There will also be a voters' choice performance on Sunday, May 27 at 1pm. To book call 020 7401 9919 or visit shakespearesglobe.com

Tickets cost from £30.

THE THRILL OF THE CHASE

Chilham Castle also plays host to one of its highlights of the year this bank holiday weekend.

The annual Chilham Chase family fun run and fun day will be on Bank Holiday Monday between 11am and 5pm.

Gates open at 11am for a range of family entertainment and activities, with the chase being held from 1pm to 3pm, with registration closing at 12.30pm for those wanting to enter the two and a half mile run over a marked course.

Entertainment through the afternoon includes bluegrass band Gentlemen of Few, a community choir with ukulele players and djembe drums, the Wantsum Morris Men, and classic cars from the Morgan Club and others.

There will also be a talk, Glamour Glitz & Gorgeous, talk about costumes from the early 20th century at noon and 5pm. Tickets cost £10 and can be bought at Chilham Post Office, by calling 01227 733803 or on the gate, with proceeds going to Chilham Church.

Entry, which includes the fee for the chase, costs £5 for over 15s and £2 for 14 and under or a family of two adults and three or more children costs £15. Visitors can bring a picnic or buy food from the range of stalls on offer. Entry includes access to castle parkland which is not normally open to the public. For details go to chilham-castle.co.uk