THERE's an opportunity to experience Shakespeare's epic cycle of history plays in a setting appropriate to the great playwright's era this weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday at Buckland Abbey, Garden and Estate, the Elysium Theatre Company will be staging 'The Wars of the Roses', an ambitious combination of Shakespeare's beautiful language and some action-packed battle re-enactments, spanning eight of Shakespeare's history plays.

The project is supported by the Royal Shakespeare Company's Open Stages scheme.

History and theatre, language and action will be woven together into one gripping narrative. The characters of Shakespeare's plays will come to life in dramatic and tangible ways and their struggles for power and dominance shall form the basis for this entertaining, exciting and educational event.

On Saturday, witness 'The Rise of the House of Lancaster', including the deposition of Richard II, the crowning of Henry IV, and the battle of Agincourt led by Henry V.

On Sunday, be immersed in 'The War of the Roses': the loss of France and the weak reign of Henry VI, the rebellion of Richard Plantagenet, and the bloody rise and fall of his son, Richard III.

This is a free event; normal admission charges to the abbey apply. For more details contact 01822 853607.