There will be an opportunity to enjoy a picnic by the sea while watching an hour of Shakespeare, all while supporting local charities.

The Live Literature Company presenting ‘Shakespeare by the Sea in about One Hour’ is putting on their summer rendition of ‘As You Like It’ on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24.

The performances are directed by Val Doulton and performed by drama students from Niagara University in New York as a part of a study abroad programme.

Organiser of the event, Sally Arnold said: “People might groan at the lengthy thought of a Shakespeare production, but the idea for ‘Shakespeare by the Sea in about One Hour’ is that it’s been shortened so that everyone may come and make an evening out of it, with a picnic and an amazing view!”

With views of the ocean from the grounds of Woodcot Gardens in Salcombe, the event will be free for everyone to enjoy, however there will be donation collections for Salcombe First Responders, the RNLI, and Age UK. The audience are welcomed to bring their own picnic, but are asked not to bring any glass.

South Sands Hotel will sponsor the event, which starts at 6pm both nights.

The study abroad programme sees students work with the LLC for eight weeks studying Shakespeare and Contemporary British Drama, finishing with a charity performance.

The aim of the Live Literature Company is to fuse together theatre, literature and humanities to create performance works of excellence that are approachable to a wide audience.