Shakespeare’s comedy romance, A Winter’s Tale, comes to the city this summer with an outdoor performance at King’s Ely Old palace gardens.

Ely Standard: Ely Amateur Dramatic Society present A Winter's Tale PHOTO: D Stuart PhotographyEly Amateur Dramatic Society present A Winter's Tale PHOTO: D Stuart Photography (Image: Archant)

Ely Amateur Dramatic Society bring late romance and laughter to the stunning performance venue.

In a fit of groundless jealousy, Leontes wrecks his marriage, defies the gods, destroys his family and ruins himself.

As the years roll around, a new generation flee their own country and take refuge in Sicilia. Unknowingly they bring with them the key to the past, present and future…

The play is often seen as a fantasy, combining the irrational and inexplicable, and includes uncontrollable emotions of rage, love, grief and forgiveness.

Ely Standard: Ely Amateur Dramatic Society present A Winter's Tale PHOTO: D Stuart PhotographyEly Amateur Dramatic Society present A Winter's Tale PHOTO: D Stuart Photography (Image: Archant)

The performance is full of monsters, gods and natural disasters, with mighty jumps from stifling courts to festivals.

Perhaps best known for the famous stage direction ‘exit pursued by a bear’, The Winter’s Tale is set in two kingdoms and spans sixteen years. Along the way there are accusations of adultery, a queen on trial, daring escapes, shepherds and shepherdesses and a statue coming to life.

• Performances are Wednesday 8 to Saturday August 11, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £9 available from Burrows Bookshop in Ely (01353 669759) or at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/elyamateurdramaticsociety wiht a 95p booking fee for online booking. Bring your own food/blankets/picnics. A bar is available.