Outdoor theatre is always a risk when it comes to the weather, especially in the so-called British summertime where we can’t always guarantee the record-breaking temperatures of last year.

But Rain or Shine Theatre Company – as their name suggests – perform in any and all weather conditions.

Founded 21 years ago by husband and wife Ken and Jayne Meekings, the Gloucester-based company tours all over the country each summer, to indoor and outdoor venues.

“We love to perform at community venues such as pub gardens, schools and village hall gardens in order to help raise funds for local charities. This year we’re even performing on two cricket pitches,” said Ken.

“We also visit historic locations across the country such as Witley Court, Glastonbury Abbey, Llanthony Priory, Hailes Abbey and Goodrich Castle. We enjoy the variety.”

Rain or Shine’s 2019 summer tour sees a cast of seven professional actors performing the Shakespeare classic comedy ‘As You Like It’.

“We like to use local actors where possible,” continued Ken, “this year four of our seven are local to the county.

“Our vans set off from Gloucester and go to places all over the country, as far as Sussex, Devon, Norfolk, even to the Isle of Wight and Manchester.”

The tour began in early June, and over the course of the summer months will see the company perform nearly 60 shows, including one in Glenfall House in Charlton Kings, and 3 consecutive dates at the Everyman Theatre.

When first starting out, the company’s aim was to “bring classical professional theatre into the heart of local communities at an affordable price”, and this is something Ken and Jayne still stand by.

He said: “We want our shows to be for the whole family and be really accessible.

“I think youngsters get a lot out of being able to come and see a performance, I’d say we’re perfect for ages six or seven and above including parents and grandparents.”

The company is not-for-profit, and after covering their costs and actors fees shares any surplus money to charities and causes local to the show.

“We just ask for support from the local communities in hosting and promoting our shows, and then a percentage of our profits go to them,” added Ken.

And after the first few performances went ahead in spite of less than ideal weather, Ken is looking forward to a sunny and warm summer.

“The weather so far hasn’t been as good as it could be compared with last June,” he said.

“But we of course perform regardless, although we definitely prefer sunny and warm evenings!”

For more information on Rain or Shine and the full list of dates for ‘As You Like It’, visit www.rainorshine.co.uk