WELLS is gearing up to host the city's theatre festival next week.

The prestigious event from Thursday, July 6, until Sunday. July 9, whose patrons are actress Dame Judi Dench and former National Theatre director Sir Richard Eyre, is sponsored by Roderick Thomas Estate Agents.

Along with the community production, Shakespeare’s As You Like It to be performed on the South Lawn of the Bishop’s Palace Gardens, this year’s Wells Theatre Festival brings an exciting line-up, including children’s theatre, opera and dance.

Roderick Thomas said: "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, the festival's artistic director, said: “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.”

Highlights this year include And Then They Came for Me a fascinating educational show about Auschwitz survivor and friend to Anne Frank, Eva Schloss.

Jonathan Guy Lewis brings back his West End/Broadway hit one-man show I Found My Horn, a feelgood show exploring the transforming power of music.

Returning to the festival, Opera in a Box will present Mozart’s Machiavellian feast, Don Giovanni, a wonderfully accessible show for a first experience of opera.

Find Wells Theatre Festival tickets and further information HERE or HERE.