Fourteen actors have begun rehearsals at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick in preparation for the 16th full summer season since the theatre opened in 1999.

Each actor will appear in three of the six plays to be staged between the end of next month and early November.

Artistic director Ian Forrest, now in his final year at Theatre by the Lake, directs Watch It, Sailor! by Philip King and Falkland Cary, and The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

Former associate director Mary Papadima brings all her expert knowledge of Greek theatre to Sophokles’ Elektra and also directs Iron by Rona Munro and two returning freelance directors, Sara Punshon and Zoë Waterman, take on Dial M for Murder by Frederick Knott and The Vertical Hour by David Hare.

The farce Watch It, Sailor! opens on May 28.

Thriller Dial M for Murder opens on June 11.

The Rivals opens on July 30.

The Vertical Hour opens on May 28.

Elektra opens on June 18.

Iron opens on August 6.

For more information, visit www.theatrebythelake.co.uk