NEXT summer sees Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT) celebrating its 50th season of Shakespeare on Brownsea Island by presenting two plays in July and August.

A registered charity, BOAT has recently handed over substantial cheques to The National Trust, the Dorset Wildlife Trust and other beneficiaries from the proceeds of this summer’s production of Love’s Labour’s Lost.

In 2013 audiences will be able to enjoy performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, from July 24 to August 2 and then have the opportunity to see the less familiar romantic adventure, Pericles, from August 7 to 16.

Open auditions for both will be held on January 2, 3 and 4, 2013, at the Durley Dean Hotel, Bournemouth.

BOAT is also holding an open evening about the celebratory year on Sunday, October 21, at 7pm in the same venue.