A SUMMER of Shakespeare will return to an historic Borders attraction with a new performance.

Following successful performance’s of A Midsummer Night’s Dream last year, Shakespeare at Traquair is returning with a production of the Bard’s tale of corruption and deceit – Richard III.

Director Leah Moorhouse said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of director this year.

“I have been working with Shakespeare at Traquair since 2006 and have been fortunate enough to participate in a wide range of plays and texts.

“The gorgeous setting of Traquair House has proven itself, time and time again, to be a versatile and magical venue for live, promenade performance.

“This year, I wanted to try and do something that the company has never explored before, one of Shakespeare’s history plays. Out of all of these, Richard III appealed to me the most.

“As well as being a gripping and powerful piece, it has a multitude of great references to real life plots and historical conspiracies.

“Cases like those of the princes in the tower and the numerous marriages and deaths of the nobility in that very narrow window of time in history.

“So, if you are a history-lover like me, this is the play for you. If that’s not your thing and you just like a good story, then you will be equally satisfied.”

Richard III begins at the end of the War of the Roses, leading to the reign of the Tudor dynasty.

The play is surrounded by a great deal of speculation, with many questioning how much of it is true, and how much is embellishment for a Tudor audience.

Leah added: “So what else can you expect from this year’s show?

“Well, this year instead of a set time period we are going for a stylised, gothic-meets-steampunk theme to match the dark and deliciously devious text.

“Lots of mood and atmosphere created by our fabulous musicians, actors and some other-worldly influences.

“Some of the greatest insults that can be found in any of Shakespeare’s library of works.

“Finally, if you ‘lumps of foul deformity’ make it to the end then you will join us for the illustrious Battle of Bosworth and the final stand-off.

“We look forward to seeing you and advise that you dress for all weathers.

“It is Scotland after all!”

Richard III will be performed at Traquair House from Wednesday, May 31 to Saturday, June 3, and from Wednesday, June 7 to Saturday, June 10. All performances will be at 7.30pm.

For more details on Shakespeare at Traquair, visit: www.shakespeare-at-traquair.co.uk, and for tickets, visit the Eastgate Box office online at: www.eastgatearts.com or call 01721 725777.