STORMS, shipwrecks and pirates, glorious music and harmonies, all feature as the Willow Globe Company take to the stage at their unique theatre near Rhayader to open the new season.

The Shakespeare Link season starts with their new production of 'Pericles' at the open air theatre made of willows at Penlanole, Llanwrthwl, near Rhayader, at 7pm on Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, and at 3pm on Sunday, May 19.

Good intentions, bad luck, fickle fortunes and just deserts abound in this magical, musical adventure story sailing the Mediterranean Sea.

“Willow Globe Company are in full force with tons of energy and some glorious music and harmonies. This one promises something special!

“The company have a reputation for their clear, vibrant and fun productions. Catch them at the Willow Globe before the go on tour. This year they have been invited to perform in Oystermouth Castle on the Gower Peninsular by the British Shakespeare Association, at Llowes Court near Hay-on-Wye and are in the planning stages for some other tour dates in the new year,” said a spokesperson.

There will be homemade soup and cakes as well as a selection of teas, coffee and a bar at this and all other events this summer.

For tickets go to www.shakespearelink.org.uk

This year’s programme was launched on April 28 with a medley of free performances.

There will be a Family Fireworks day of workshops, lectures and discussions using Shakespeare on Saturday, June 8; and up to 20 Sundanese Gamelin performers from London and Indonesia will run a workshop and performance on Sunday, June 22.

The renowned Factory Theatre company will perform 'Anthony and Cleopatra' on July 13; Everyman Youth Theatre from Cardiff will perform 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' on July 21; and leading UK actors will perform a new production of 'Romeo and Juliet' on August 3.

A musical version of the comedy 'Much Ado About Nothing' will be presented on August 7; and the season will finish with a production of 'Richard III' on September 7 and 8.

More details of the performances, venues and the charity that runs Shakespeare Link can be found on the www.shakespearelink.org.uk website.