Buckland Abbey will provide a fitting stage for two days of Shakespeare and Elizabethan re-enactment as Elysium Theatre presents its Shakespeare Festival this weekend.

Four of Shakespeare's much-loved comedies will be performed —Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream and As You Like It.

A spokesperson from the Elysium Theatre Company said: 'We create exciting theatrical experiences, combining living history, participation and classic theatre. We are becoming renowned and loved for our innovation and infectious enthusiasm.'

Visitors will encounter the actors as they perform the plays in sections at different spots around the property, including the 15th century tithe barn. The troupe will also be popping up around the Abbey grounds as Elizabethan re-enactors. Visitors can expect to bump into Bottom, Caliban and a whole host of colourful characters.

Visitor experience manager, Anwen Roberts, said: 'Shipwrecks, treasure, political intrigues and courtly gossip – Francis Drake lived a life to rival any of Shakespeare's heroes. It seems a natural fit to have the best of Elizabethan drama at the home of a man who lived on his wits and has a classic "rags to riches" tale.'

The Renaissance Historical Dance Society (RHDS) will also be on site, demonstrating Elizabethan dances in between the drama. RHDS is well known for designing and producing performances full of spectacle in order to bring history to life. Visitors will be encouraged to get involved by learning sections of period dance.

When not performing, they will be demonstrating Elizabethan crafts such as lace-making and calligraphy, as well as period food, make-up and costume. They will also have children's crafts to keep youngsters busy.

The Mock Hobby Horse group will be adding to the fun. The group is well known as wandering minstrels or strolling players, providing entertainment and atmosphere at historical events, and for entertaining with music, dance and song at banquets and celebrations. They will be playing Tudor and Elizabethan tunes and wandering the site, talking about all things instrumental.

There will also be re-enactment tents set up in front of the Great Barn.

The festival is on Saturday and Sunday (July 13 and 14), from 10.30am to 5.30pm.