The open-air performances at Abergavenny Castle are one of the highlights of the summer season and this year, the ever popular Illyria Theatre Company celebrates the 'Best of British' with two well-loved productions: Shakespeare's Henry V (Wednesday July 4 at 7pm) and Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore (Thursday July 5 at 7pm).

Full of patriotism, pageantry and poetry, Henry V - Shakespeare's most popular historical drama - tells the gripping story of an inexperienced king who leads a small and weakened army into the battle of Agincourt against the might of the French battalions.

Set on board a warship, HMS Pinafore cheerfully mocks such British institutions as class, patriotism and the Royal Navy where Josephine, the Captain's daughter, is in love with a common sailor, but her father wants her to marry the First Lord of the Admiralty forcing them to elope with shocking results.

This wonderful comic opera gets the complete Illyria treatment, faithfully performed by a reduced cast on a beautiful nautical set, and accompanied by a musical director on keyboard.

The organisers advise taking a picnic, warm, waterproof clothing and something to sit on. A bar will be available.

If the weather's bad the performances will be moved to the Borough Theatre.

The performances are promoted by A4B, and all profits from the evening are used to support the ongoing development of the Borough Theatre

Tickets cost £11 (concessions £9 / Family Ticket £36). There's a special ticket offer if you book for both shows: buy tickets for one show get the other half price. Tickets are available from the Borough Theatre Box Office 01873 850805.