THE show will go on despite the weather when a theatre company performs at Turton Tower this weekend.

The Dean Taylor theatre company will be performing Shakespeare's The Taming Of The Shrew in the grounds of Turton Tower and say that they are always especially pleased to visit the venue.

"It's probably our favourite venue," says Dean. "We go to a lot of places, but there's a charm about that place. It's quite a magical venue to do Shakespeare outdoors."

The play is a comedy and was made famous on the big screen by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

The company have already taken the show to Skipton Castle, Whalley Abbey and Burton Manor, but say that Turton Tower has special significance.

"It's the final show of the tour, so it feels like coming home," says Dean.

Last year's production of Much Ado About Nothing was hit by torrential rain, and - with typical English summer weather predicted for the next few week - the company could have reason to be worried.

But they are determined to ignore the threat of rain.

"The show will go on whether it rains or not," says Dean. "Ticket bookings have been better than ever.

"I thought people would hold off and wait for the weather forecast, but it's been almost an act of defiance."

Performances will take place at 2pm and 7pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 2pm on Sunday.

To book tickets, ring the box office on 01772 466256.

Turton Tower is in Edgworth on the Bolton/Blackburn border.

  • Saturday night's performance will feature Michael Boe, a British Sign Language interpreter, for the deaf and hard of hearing.