The Taming of the Shrew at Jimmy's Farm

The new venue, at the farm in Wherstead, will be the backdrop for this summer's performance of Shakespeare's romantic comedy the Taming of the Shrew in July.

Red Rose Chain's artistic director Joanna Carrick said: "As anyone who has been to Jimmy's woods knows it is a magical location and the perfect place for outdoor theatre.

"We've had 13 incredible years in Rendlesham Forest, which has seen the audience grow from a low-key weekend production for an audience of less than a hundred, into a dazzling event experience welcoming more than 10,000 people across the summer season."

Jimmy Doherty said: "We are so excited to be partnering Red Rose Chain in what we know will be a magical theatrical experience. The company's reputation for providing the very best theatre is second to none and we can't wait to get involved with one of the county, if not country's most exciting companies. Who knows what future productions might be… Animal Farm or maybe even Babe: Pig in the City?"

The farm will stage Red Rose Chain's outdoor theatre for the next five years, he added.

Joanna continued: "The move to Jimmy's Farm will usher in a new era of the same inventive, magical and accessible Shakespeare productions that have delighted theatre in the forest audiences for more than a decade, in a brand new and beautiful open-air setting. Audiences of all ages love the magic of theatre in the forest and this relocation will bring the experience within reach of more people than ever before."