A comedy that is part-farce will be an outdoor theatre treat in Dorchester on Friday, July 13 at 7.30pm.

Miracle Theatre is making a welcome return to Maumbury Rings in the county town with Chekhov’s bittersweet comedy The Cherry Orchard.

The Cherry Orchard tells the story of a once-wealthy family, whose idleness and extravagance have brought them to the brink of bankruptcy.

More than a century after it was written, The Cherry Orchard is still frequently revived all over the world. Alive with brilliantly observed characters, struggling to adapt to an uncertain and rapidly changing world, the story resonates with today’s concerns about disappearing ways of life.

Director Bill Scott said: "It may not seem an obvious choice for a Miracle summer show, there are people who think of it as a ‘serious’ play, but the chances are they haven’t actually seen it or maybe they read it at school or sat through a version inspired by the original ‘doom-laden’ interpretation by the Moscow Arts Theatre in 1903, which Chekhov himself hated.

"He complained that he had written a comedy - “in places even a farce!”

Miracle’s adaptation honours his intentions and to achieve this has assembled a talented team, all blessed with great comic talent: Miracle regulars Ben Dyson and Ben Kernow are joined by three performers new to Miracle, Jill Greenacre , Louise Mellor and Rose McPhilemy, with a welcome return from Dan Richards.

Miracle’s outdoor production staged in the stunning location of Maumbury Rings has become a ‘must do’ summer activity with family and friends gathering their chairs, blankets and picnics and heading off to enjoy Miracle’s relaxed open air shows.

Spend an evening under the stars this summer and be entertained by this family drama unfolding around you.

*The Cherry Orchard, Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, Friday, July 13, 7.30pm. Call the box office for tickets and more information.