AUDIENCE numbers at a series of outdoor shows being held at a popular tourist attraction near Redcar will be halved because of continuing Covid-19 restrictions.

A series of open air theatre performances, including a play based on a best selling children’s book by comedian and actor David Walliams, Shakespeare and dance are taking place in the grounds of Kirkleatham Museum during July and August.

At the moment numbers will be limited to 150 – about half of what might have been expected – in order to give groups attending the necessary space.

Walliams’ Mr Stink will kick off the schedule on July 2 in a staging by Heartbreak Productions, while classic literature lovers can enjoy an Oddsocks performance of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors on July 8 and 9.

An adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, a tale of 1920s morality and corruption in Prohibition era America, is on July 18, also by Heartbreak Productions.

The season is due to be rounded off on August 22 with a performance of The Two Fridas – the life story of artist Frida Kahlo, told through music and dance.

It has been commissioned and produced by Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance in collaboration with the Balbir Singh Dance Company, with funding from the Arts Council England.

Councillor Louise Westbury, who has the culture portfolio as a member of Redcar and Cleveland Council’s cabinet, said: “There really is something for everyone and it is so exciting to see our borough coming back to life for the summer.

“People can pack their picnic hampers and chairs and come along to make some new memories.

 “With that said, we mustn’t blow it now and find ourselves heading back into another lockdown.  

“Let’s all keep working together to follow the rules and stay safe.”

 For more details on shows and prices visit https://redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/outdoor-theatre