Sam EmanuelA selection of some of the country's finest Shakespearean actors has been chosen to bring the Bard's words to life in a series of atmospheric outdoor performances at Norwich Cathedral this summer.Sam Emanuel

A selection of some of the country's finest Shakespearean actors has been chosen to bring the Bard's words to life in a series of atmospheric outdoor performances at Norwich Cathedral this summer.

The Merry Wives of Windsor and As You Like It will be performed in the cloisters in July as part of the cathedral's Shakespeare Festival 2010.

Shakespeare fans can see his works acted out against the historic and impressive backdrop of the 900-year-old cathedral in the comedies, which are being staged by the GB Theatre Company.

Actors confirmed for the 14-strong cast include Jim Bywater, who will be playing the roles Touchstone and Sir Hugh Evans.

The actor, musician, writer and director has performed at the Royal National Theatre and at the Globe, as well as in television roles.

Naomi Cortes, an experienced actress, will be playing Audrey and Mrs Ford, while David Davies, who also has a clutch of roles under his belt for the British Shakespeare Company and various other companies and festivals, will play Jaques and Ford.

Luciano Dodero, who plays Silvius/Forest Lord and Pistol, trained at the Guildhall School.

The performances should provide for the city a magical open-air treat of love, laughter and deceit, and organisers are predicting that tickets for the 650 seats will be selling quickly.

The Merry Wives of Windsor will be performed on Thursday, July 15 and Saturday, July 17; As You

Like It will be performed on Friday, July 16 and Sunday, July 18.

The grounds will be open from 6pm, with performances starting at 7pm.

Advance tickets cost �19.50 for Thursday and Friday and �21.50 for the Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets sold on the door will be subject to a �3 fee. Concessions are �4 less, but there are no concessions on the Saturday.

Tickets are on sale at the offices of the Evening News publisher Archant, at Prospect House, in Rouen Road, Norwich, or by calling on 01603 772175.

They are also on sale in Norwich Cathedral shop, online at www.cathedral.org.uk/shop or by calling 01603 218323.

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