The Pantaloons Theatre Company returns to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham on Saturday July 5, with The Pantaloons’ History of Britain – a breathless race through the centuries. The open-air show begins at 7pm, with gates opening at 6.30pm.

With mud, blood and stiff upper-lips, The Pantaloons’ History of Britain presents the country’s past as you’ve never seen it before. Expect royals and rebels; hangmen and highwaymen; knights, fights and men in tights. ‘An energetic and playful romp through the centuries’ Mail on Sunday.

Tickets are £9 adult and £5 child in advance or £12 adult and £8 child on the door (under 5 free). T. 01603 270449, e. [email protected],  www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

Have you ever wanted to see the life of Henry VIII as a romantic comedy? Or the story of Lady Jane Grey retold as a puppet show? Perhaps you have always hankered to see the tale of the Spanish Armada as a musical? The Pantaloons’ History of Britain realises all of these dreams and more! The show is packed with songs, sketches and silliness and is suitable for all ages.

The Pantaloons began life 10 years ago as an open-air theatre company, busking plays for donations in parks and on the streets, where they developed an attention-grabbing, interactive and playful performance style.

Mark Hayward, a founding member of the company and co-writer of the play said: “We take well-loved tales – in this case stories from history – and give them a contemporary twist, making them accessible for new audiences and showing seasoned fans something that they perhaps had not seen in them before.”

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction.