A magical programme of outdoor theatre and music under the stars is returning to Hever Castle, near Edenbridge, this summer.

Hever Festival Theatre promises to be bigger, better and longer this year with a programme of vibrant and varied open-air performances.

The festival starts on Saturday, May 4 with the live stage version of the much-loved Horrible Histories, a new West End show featuring all new scenes.

In Barmy Britain, experience the history of Britain in the inimitable Horrible Histories style…with all the nasty bits left in.

This year for the first time, a discounted theatre and castle gardens joint ticket is also available to buy in advance so theatre-goers can visit the castle gardens before their show.

Over the late May bank holiday weekend - Saturday, May 25 to Bank Holiday Monday, May 27 - icons of jazz Mica Paris, Courtney Pine (with special guest Omar) and classical guitarist Miloš Karadaglić will be performing as part of the Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival for the first time at Hever. Courtney Pine will perform with UK soul star Omar whose hit single There’s Nothing Like This established a signature sound that has since earned him critical acclaim and collaborations with the likes of Stevie Wonder.

On Wednesday, May 29 there will be a magical cave filled with gold and jewels in Illyria Theatre’s production of the Persian tale Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. There’s a spiffing start to the summer with Bromley Little Theatre’s Jeeves & Wooster:

Perfect Nonsense by David & Robert Goodale, based on P.G. Wodehouse’s 1938 Novel The Code of the Woosters, on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1.

Later on in the summer highlights include BGT winner Lost Voice Guy - aka Lee Ridley - supported by Jonny Awsum on Wednesday, July 24.

Festival Theatre director, Ailsa Molyneux said: “This year’s extended selection will appeal to both our existing patrons and those who will be new to the truly magical experience of visiting our theatre in the award winning Hever Castle Gardens.”

Book at heverfestival.co.uk or call 01732 866114.

Read more: All the latest stage and entertainments news across Kent