AN ALL-MALE cast will portray the story of feuding lovers in a classic comedy at East Riddlesden Hall.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are returning to the National Trust mansion for an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

The sparkling battle-of-the-sexes will tell of trickery, treachery and, ultimately, true love, on Wednesday from 7.30pm.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men – named after Shakespeare’s own touring theatre troupe – have been touring the UK for the past decade, including successful performances in the grounds of East Riddlesden Hall.

Promising authentic, exhilarating and engaging all-male productions, they are this year operating in the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

Central to the story is the ‘will-they-won’t-they’ relationship of Benedick, a confirmed bachelor, and Beatrice, an avowed maid, who are resolutely set against marriage.

Of one of Shakespeare’s funniest and most famous love stories.

They conduct their ‘merry war’ during a masquerade ball held by the governor of Messina, Leonato, to toast Don Pedro’s triumph in battle.

Well-intentioned plots and evil schemes abound as enemies deceive lovers and friends trick friends.

Peter Stickney, the artistic director of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, said: “Much Ado is the play our audiences have been begging us to return to.

“This lively summer comedy has one of Shakespeare’s most famous and funniest warring couples that will keep you guessing about their relationship until the very end!

“I can’t think of anything more perfect for a summer’s evening than a classical retelling of this great play set against the background of one of the nation’s most beautiful outdoor venues.”

Will Benedick and Beatrice ever get together? Can Dogberry’s comically incompetent Watchmen save the day? Will the evil plots be scuppered and true love win out in the end?

The audience will find out as they watch the cast in full Elizabethan costume and with traditional music and dance.

Mr Stickney said: “The Lord Chamberlain’s Men Theatre Company is the modern incarnation of Shakespeare’s original troupe of the same name.

“We aim to revive the traditions of Elizabethan theatre and to bring to life the greatest works of drama, as they would first have been performed.”

Spectators are invited to take along their own chairs and a picnic. The performance will continue in all but the worst weather, and tickets are non-refundable.

Tickets cost £14 for adults and £7.50 for children. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall/whats-on or call 0844 2491895 to book tickets.