The stage is set for a summer spectacular of family fun

A summer of fun and laughter awaits with an incredible line up of captivating open air performances for all ages waiting in the wings to dazzle you as part Tameside’s Theatre in the Park summer programme.

Bringing something for everyone the FREE interactive live shows will run throughout August, featuring a different show every week to celebrate the magic of theatre across Tameside’s parks and open spaces that you can enjoy with family and friends.

The fun starts on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August, with the exciting and captivating adventures of the Crew by the Fabularium at Cheethams Park, Stalybridge. You’ll be able to join the all-seeing Albatross and some unlikely companions as they set sail on the ultimate voyage across the seas. The shows on Sunday 6 August will have BSL interpretation.

The Fabularium will also be taking part in a drop in interactive workshop on Friday 4 August where you can step into the enchanting world of The Water Exploration Team and map your creativity and memories of the open water.

At Hyde Park on Monday 8 August, you can immerse yourself in the magical and silly quest of Kronos the Wizard at The Crossroads Show. There’ll be masks, puppets, and non-stop action and he’ll need some help to make important decisions on his journey which only you can help with.

Next up if you’re looking for laughter we’ve got it in Dizzy O'Dare’s The Giant Balloon Show! You’ll experience balloons in sizes and shapes we can guarantee you won’t have ever seen before. It takes place at King George V Playing Fields on Tuesday 15 August, and at Hollingworth Primary School on Wednesday 16 August.

Ryecroft Hall will see a mesmerizing display of majesty and falconry in Falconry Dismay on Thursday 24 August. Not only will the flying displays of three majestic birds of prey take your breath away but guide Kevin Tickle’s amusing educational insights into the world of falconry, will no doubt inflict a belly laugh or two! NB – no actual birds will be used in this performance.

Last but definitely not least you can join Folksy Theatre’s heart-warming adaptation of "The Ugly Ducking." Follow the plucky duckling who sets out to find his place in the world, by overcoming obstacles and discovering true happiness through live music and puppetry, we dare you not to fall in love. The performances will be held at Mossley Park (MOAT) on Wednesday 30 August. Just don't forget to bring your picnics and folding chairs!

Cllr Sangita Patel Tameside Council’s Assistant Executive Member for Culture, Heritage and Digital Inclusivity, said: “Our free Theatre in the Park programme always provides a great opportunity for everyone to not only enjoy Tameside Parks and greenspaces but to also fall in love with some fantastic characters along the way. This year there are some brilliant events on offer being supported by some of Tameside best creative minds and they really will appeal to all ages.”

Theatre in the Park has been partly funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is organised by Tameside Cultural Services, part of Tameside Council.

Tickets for the event are free but you’ll need to hurry as they numbers are limited, just go online at www.intameside.co.uk to book and find out more about shows and what other events are on offer across the summer months.