MAKE the most of summer with these outdoor theatre shows taking place in Dorset.

1. The Merchant of Venice at Kingston Lacy on Thursday July 26 at 7pm. Gates open at 6pm. Shakespeare's great courtroom drama is by turns thrilling, funny, romantic and unsettling. International award-winning Illyria promise a production to keep you on the edge of your seat. Tickets prices: Adult £16 in advance, £18 on the day. Children £8 in advance (5-17 years), £9 on the day. Family tickets available at £40 in advance. To book, call 0344 249 1895.

2. The Tempest also at Kingston Lacy on Thursday, August 2 at 7pm. Gates open at 6pm. Shakespeare's late, great gem, examines the power of true love, our capacity for vengeance and what it takes to forgive. Same ticket prices and contact details as above.

3. Treasure Island also at Kingston Lacy on Tuesday, August 7 at 7pm. Gates open at 6pm. When Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map amongst the possessions of the late Captain Billy Bones, it hurtles him in to a cat and mouse game with dangerous pirates, taking him across the World to Treasure Island. Same ticket prices and contact details as above.

4. Brownsea Open Air Theatre presents Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus from Wednesday, July 25 to Friday, August 10 from 7.30pm.

Tickets £23 includes ferry. To book, call the box office on 07845 782924 or visit brownsea-theatre.co.uk.

5. Cornish company, Miracle Theatre, is touring with Chekov’s The Cherry Orchard which tells the tale of a once-wealthy family facing ruin as society teeters on the brink of cataclysmic change.

You can catch the production at several venues starting at Springhead Gardens on Thursday, August 2, to book call 01747 811853. Next stop is Sandford Orcas on Friday, August 3, to book call 01963 220749 and finally the tour visits Kimmeridge Bay on Saturday, August 4, call 01929 270000.

All performances start at 7pm. Tickets are also available online at artsreach.co.uk