THEY became such fixtures on the summer calendar that one couple even arranged their wedding around the comings and goings of Maskers Theatre Company at Mottisfont Abbey.

Nicola Hall and Andrew Borley celebrated their nuptials with the cast of Pride and Prejudice at the National Trust property near Romsey last summer.

But that was to be the Maskers' final stint there.

For 26 years, they drew huge audiences to outdoor summer productions, so it came as a surprise and disappointment when a National Trust change of policy meant that they would no longer be able to perform in the grounds.

Spectacular scenery, fireworks, the occasional horse and carriage, beautiful costumes and pitched battles fought out in front of delighted audiences, had become hallmarks of what was, for many, an annual pilgrimage.

So the management team went in search of a new home for their summer production.

They considered more than two dozen venues, but the outright winner was beautiful Hamptworth Lodge.

Hamptworth Lodge, a family-owned and occupied Jacobean-style manor house, forming the jewel in the centre of the family-managed rural estate, is located between Landford and Redlynch, approximately nine miles from Romsey.

The house is not normally open to the public, so the 2008 production will be a great chance to take a peek inside the grounds.

Avril Woodward, chairwoman of the Maskers management team, said "Although we were, of course, disappointed to have to leave Mottisfont, we are so delighted to have found an equally lovely setting at Hamptworth and look forward to even greater success and to continuing to delight our loyal audience."

The 2008 production will be a rip-roaring romp through Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors, complete with a Turkish bazaar and loads of slapstick humour.

The play will run from July 16-26, and thousands of visitors are expected to picnic before enjoying the show. Tickets will go on sale from the Mayflower box office in April.

4:07pm Friday 8th February 2008

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