ONE OF English literatures best-loved plays is being staged in the grounds of Athelhampton House near Dorchester next week.

Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare's tragic tale of star-crossed young lovers, is being brought to the stately home by Chapterhouse Theatre as part of the company's 100-venue summer tour of the British Isles.

The greatest love story ever told will unfold at 7.30pm on Thursday, August 28, against the stunning backdrop of Athelhampton House on the outskirts of Puddletown.

The stunningly-produced play, complete with an enchanting original music score, is the tale of two young lovers from rival families whose bid to be together ends in tragedy.

Romeo is played by Philip Stevens, who trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and has already appeared with Chapterhouse as Mercutio in an earlier adaptation of Romeo and Juliet and as Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Juliet will be brought to life by Jane Stanton, who began acting while working as a chartered accountant.

This is the fourth consecutive summer that Chapterhouse has toured Britain.

The production features a large cast of 15 actors, classically simple picture-book sets, beautiful Elizabethan costumes and original live music.

This year, inspired by two members of last summer's audience who requested a tape of Chapterhouse music to play at their wedding, the company has produced a CD containing music from all Chapterhouse shows - £2 of each £10 CD will be donated to Children in Need.

The Athelhampton performance starts at 7.30pm next Thursday and the grounds will be open an hour before the show to allow time for picnics.

Tickets, £10 for adults, £7 children, are available from TICs in Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport and from Athelhampton House on 01305 848363.