From Aled Jones to Shakespeare, and Abba to Jane Austen, there’s plenty to keep us entertained outdoors this summer. Barbara Hodgson checks out what’s on.

Also on the outdoor stage...

TOURING theatre company Heartbreak Productions is also turning to both Shakespeare and a children’s classic as part of its outdoor summer programme.

Known for its imagination and accessibility of its performances, Heartbreak has a new line-up which includes a dynamic As You Like It – with a psychedelic 1960s trip through the Forest of Arden – at Jesmond Dene, Newcastle ((0191 230-5151) from July 8-10; and Belsay Hall & Gardens (01661 881636) on August 13, and Warkworth Castle (01665 711423), both Northumberland, on August 14.

Then there’s a magical makeover of Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic The Wind in the Willows, with live music, dance and inventive props, at Mima Gardens, Centre Square, Middlesbrough (01642 729729) on July 8 and 9; Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, (0191 230-5151) on August 4, 5 and 6; Belsay Hall and Gardens, Northumberland (01661 881636) on August 21.

It’s also doing a new version – all picnics, parties and posh frocks – of Jane Austen’s Regency ‘rom-com’ Emma at Belsay Hall on August 6 and at Jesmond Dene on August 7-9 .

Keep an eye out at www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk for details.

And the aptly-named Rain or Shine Theatre Company will also be at Belsay with another Shakespeare comedy: The Taming of the Shrew, which it will perform there on July 3 before taking it to Warkworth Castle on August 24. See above for venue contact numbers to check times and prices.

Look out for a special Heartbreak Productions offer for Culture Club members in the Culture pages of The Journal on Thursday.