PLEASURE Dome Theatre Company returns to the Valley of Rocks to perform Lorna Doone.

The show is part of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the publication of R.D. Blackmore’s classic romance.

There will be a combined cast of professionals and local performers led by Josephine Rattigan as Lorna and Edward Kaye as her lover John Ridd. They will bring this spell-binding story to life in the heart of the Valley of Rocks.

Directed by Scott Le Crass and with costumes designed by Oscar winning Kathleen Nellis, atmospheric music and the dramatic backdrop of the sun setting into the sea as it gives way to a star filled night, what better place to enjoy this Exmoor tale?

The Pleasure Dome experience is the ‘dream come true’ of Helena Payne who grew up at Culbone on the moor.

As a child she played in the Valley of the Rocks fantasising staging shows there. As an adult working in theatre and opera, she has made it happen.

Now she opens a door to a wider theatrical world for local actors like Roxanne Tandridge and 17 year old Tabitha Payne of Watchet.

Staging theatre in the wild has its challenges like the weather and so audiences are asked to bring their own seating and picnic before the show and wrap up warm, as even on balmy summer nights the weather can be unpredictable.

Lorna Doone runs from August 20 until August 31 at 7:30pm with Sunday matinees at 3:00pm (please note: there are shows on Mondays) at the Valley of the Rocks on Exmoor.

Tickets are available online or on the door.

Past performance by Pleasure Dome have brought praise from young and old alike. One audience member said: “A beautiful evening watching a stunning performance in an amazing location. Brilliant!”

For more information email samewestmacott@gmail.com or call 07970152152.