SHAKESPEARE'S Globe Theatre will recreate a 16th century tradition when the company visits the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond.

In Shakespeare’s day, when actors went on tour, it was the most important member of the household they visited who decided which play should be performed.

In the 21st century version of the custom, the Globe will offer Richmond audiences a choice of The Merchant of Venice, The Taming of the Shrew or Twelfth Night – and take on vote at the beginning of each performance on which they want to see. The visit takes place from July 5-8.

Celebrating the theatre’s heritage, award-winning Royal Shakespeare Company actor Ian Hughes will present The Dramatic Exploits of Edmund Kean, a remarkable one-man show charting the rise and decline of the notorious 19th-century actor, on March 4.

The spring season comedy line-up starts on February 25 with Tom Allen. He is followed by Simon Evans (May 6), Sarah Kendall with her latest show One-Seventeen (June 8), and former MP and government whip Gyles Brandreth (July 21).

Seaside Terror (March 16) offers something different with the Odd Doll theatre company using puppetry and clowning to expose the horrors of British holidays in the 1970s.

The Time Machine (April 6) is a new play from Dyad Productions, creators of Austen’s Women, I, Elizabeth, Female Gothic, The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe and Jane Eyre: An Autobiography.

Vienna Festival Ballet presents The Sleeping Beauty on May 30 and 31.

Music embraces rock and roll, with The Bluejays celebrating the era of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochrane and Little Richard (March 29).

World-class jazz saxophonist Snake Davis takes to the stage with rising young star Jess Gillam in a fun acoustic duo set (April 28).

Puccini’s La Bohème will be performed by the accomplished North West touring company Heritage Opera (May 19). Decostruttori Postmodernisti, from Italy, will provide a rollercoaster ride through the history of music ranging from Mozart to the Bee Gees (June 16).

Muker Silver Band will raise the rafters on April 21, and a vibrant programme of 17th and 18th century music will be performed by the accomplished trio Da Camera on recorders, viols and harpsichord (April 27).

Family shows include time-travelling magicians Morgan & West (March 9), an evening of musical storytelling with the Captain of the Lost Waves (April 20), and double act The Mimic Men (May 18). Horace and the Yeti – an exciting eco-adventure for younger children – is billed for March 31.

Details can be found in the new programme brochure available at the box office or visit georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk. For tickets call 01748 825252.