OUTDOOR theatre returns to the grounds of Brantwood next week with the latest visit of acclaimed touring company Illyria.

Responsible for a number of packed out performances in the Lake District over the past two decades, the group are back at the Coniston venue's scenic lakeside meadow on Tuesday to perform  The Sorcerer’s Apprentice .

The views over Coniston Water have provided a spectacular back-drop for Illyria’s stage ever since the first performance at Brantwood 24 years ago, and every year they delight audiences with their inimitable take on classic stories. 

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is the original boy-wizard story, and was most famously told in Disney’s Fantasia , where the title role was played by Mickey Mouse.

Bored of chores, the apprentice waves a wand and a broom magically fetches water. But what is the spell to make it stop? 

In desperation he saws it in half and everything spirals out of control.

This show features the original music - as used in Fantasia - by Paul Dukas, as well as having more water than has ever been seen in a play before, and eye-popping magical illusions designed by the world famous illusionist Paul Daniels.

The family shows in particular give Illyria an opportunity to demonstrate their skill and ingenuity at creating hilarious special effects that never fail to entertain children and adults alike.

The show is suitable for all ages, from five and upwards, and tickets are available from Brantwood or www.illyria.uk.com

Gates open at 6pm and the performance starts at 7pm. The audience is encouraged to bring their own seating or rug and a picnic, and the event will still go ahead regardless of the weather.

Brantwood’s café will remain open until the show gates open at 6pm, with drinks and tray bakes for sale in the meadow.