THE curtain is ready to rise on a season of outdoor drama in east Cleveland.

There will be performances at Gisborough Priory, Guisborough, and in the grounds of Kirkleatham Museum, near Redcar.

Oddsocks will bring Romeo and Juliet to Kirkleatham for four nights from July 16 to 19, with 7.30pm performances. Tickets are £8 and £4.50 concessions.

Illyria brings two outdoor productions to the Priory, performing The Merchant of Venice on July 24 and 25, at 7.30pm each night, and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves on August 13, with 2pm and 7pm performances. Tickets for both shows are £8 and £4.50.

Tickets are available from tourist information centres in Saltburn, Redcar and Guisborough.