WHAT WE'RE BOOKING

Shakespeare's Rose Theatre

25 JUNE-01 SEPTEMBER (YORK)

08 JULY-07 SEPTEMBER (BLENHEIM PALACE) 13th century Clifford's Tower in York and Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire form the backdrops for a summer of Shakespeare. See popular works like Hamlet and Macbeth in a pop up playhouse inspired by the bard's 1587 Rose Theatre. Whilst the surrounding re-created Elizabethan villages set the medieval mood.

shakespearerosetheatre.com

Jean Paul Gaultier: Fashion Freak Show

23 JULY-02 AUGUST

After over two million people visited his exhibition, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier, on its marathon global tour, the provocative fashion designer is now telling his story in cabaret. The extravagant, unconventional show at London's Southbank Centre mirrors his fashion. Don your feathers and corsets for this stylish party.

southbankcentre.co.uk

The Illusionists

06 JULY-01 SEPTEMBER

Abracadabra – The Illusionists re-appear at London's Shaftesbury Theatre. Among the mind bending line-up are the stylish card tricks of Yo Ho Jin and daredevil escapology by Jonathan Goodwin who can also throw a knife or two. Then there's Adam Trent's high tech tricks with his music and comedy interludes. See them before they disappear.

theillusionistslive.com

Uncle Vanya

18 JULY-03 AUGUST

Bath's Grade II listed Georgian theatre hosts one of this season's most tantalising stage debuts. Upper crust actor, Rupert Everett turns director in a new version of Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya at the Theatre Royal by award-winning playwright, David Hare. This re-mastered tale of disruption and unrequited love also stars Everett.

theatreroyal.co.uk