The annual Wells Theatre Festival, with renowned patrons including Dame Judi Dench and former Director of the National Theatre, Sir Richard Eyre, is set to make a highly anticipated return from Thursday, 6th July to Sunday, 9th July.

The festival, recognised for its rich variety of performances, offers something for everyone with an array of classics, comedy, drama, children's theatre, opera, and dance on the lineup. One of the notable highlights is the Community Production of Shakespeare's "As You Like It", set to be performed on the picturesque South Lawn of the Bishop's Palace Gardens.

This year's festival has several standout performances to look forward to. "And Then They Came for Me," an educational show about Auschwitz survivor and friend to Anne Frank, Eva Schloss, promises a deeply moving experience for audiences. Also on the program is Jonathan Guy Lewis, who is returning to the festival to perform his West End/Broadway hit one-man show, "I Found My Horn," which explores the transformative power of music.

Additionally, attendees can look forward to an engaging presentation of Mozart's Machiavellian feast, "Don Giovanni," by Opera in a Box. This performance is described as an accessible show perfect for those experiencing opera for the first time.

Artistic Director of the Wells Theatre Festival, Ros Johnson, spoke about the excitement surrounding this year's event, saying, "We are thrilled to welcome visitors to Wells from near and far to enjoy this annual feast of culture and entertainment."

The Wells Theatre Festival, through its commitment to diverse programming and cultural enrichment, continues to strengthen its reputation as a must-attend event in the region's cultural calendar.

The festival's success and impact have been recognised by local businesses, including Wells estate agency, Roderick Thomas Estate Agents, which is a proud sponsor of the 2023 event.

Roderick Thomas commented, "As a long-established independent business in the heart of this wonderful city, Roderick Thomas Estate Agents is delighted to support the Wells Theatre Festival. With a varied programme of classics, comedy and drama, the festival goes from strength to strength and we look forward to welcoming visitors to Wells from near, far and wide to enjoy this annual feast of culture and entertainment."

Ros Johnson added: "We are thrilled to have Roderick Thomas Estate Agents sponsoring our festival. It is thanks to our local businesses that help keep the festival running."

Find Wells Theatre Festival tickets and further information at www.wellstheatrefestival.org.uk. Tickets also available at https://bishopspalace.org.uk/event/wells-theatre-festival/