PERFORMED in the beautiful open air surroundings of Hall Barn in Beaconsfield since 1989, the Chiltern Shakespeare Company is getting ready for its summer production.

This year, the group is putting on All's Well That Ends Well, directed by Jeff Walker, and starring local actors Rachel Lane and Jamie Kwasnick.

Often referred to as one of Shakespeare's problem plays', All's Well That Ends Well follows the tale of Helen. Her character was deemed unacceptable in years past, when the idea of equality of the sexes was unfamiliar.

Robert Norrie from the group, says: "Her refusal to submit to an unkind fate, her determination to take events into her own hands, and even worse to indulge in sexual banter, were all seen as unfeminine, ungenteel and unacceptable."

But, Robert adds, during rehersals, the group has discovered that the play has an "astonishing modernity."

He says: "Its immature young hero, Bertram, who behaves badly and succumbs to bad influences, yet is forced to grow up by the events he goes through, is a familiar character of our time.

"Above all its heroine, who by her own efforts turns her hopes into reality and triumphs against all the odds, makes it seem a play whose time has come."

Last year's production by the Chiltern Shakespeare Company was The Tempest, and it attracted record audiences.

During their 18 years of acting, they have put on a wide range of Shakespeare's work, including Much Ado about Nothing, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dream, As You Like it, The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice and The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Founded by the late Michael Wiseman, the company's aim is to celebrate the works of Shakespeare in a style that is both traditional and highly imaginative. Their patrons include actor Jeremy Irons, and the Hon Mrs Jenefer Farncombe, who gives permission for the use of Hall Barn.

The Open Air Theatre offers 650 covered seats, with disabled access, ample parking space, refreshments and a bar in a marquee, and the opportunity to have a picnic in the grounds before the production.

The plays performed by the Chiltern Shakespeare Company always benefit charities, with All's Well That Ends Well, supporting The South Bucks Hospice and the Beaconsfield Talking Newspaper.

The Chiltern Shakespeare Company's performance of All's Well That Ends Well will be at the Open Air Theatre, Hall Barn, Beaconsfield between Wednesday, June 6 and Saturday, June 9 and between Wednesday, June 13 and Saturday, June 16. All productions start at 8pm, apart from Saturday matinee at 2pm on June 16. More details from 08700 667720.