GL Events will create a fully covered outdoor theatre for a mix of musical and comedy performances in the grounds of historic Cheshire house, Gawsworth Hall.

The all-seater auditorium will host a series of concerts and other entertainment, with big names such as singers Russell Watson and Joan Armatrading, to comedy from Jasper Carrott and Ken Dodd taking to the stage.

Once home to the Dark Lady of Shakespeare’s Sonnets; and Maggoty Johnson, ‘Britain’s last professional jester’, the venue will host a Garden Theatre – a 600sqm Premier Apex structure – which will have seating for 900 ticket holders and guests.

The events, which include Shakespeare plays and tribute bands, will be held throughout July and August. In previous years, there has been limited seating so guests were advised to bring blankets to sit on the ground, but more seating has been introduced for 2015.

“It’s very fulfilling to be involved in creating an outdoor theatre in the grounds of the Grade I listed country house to continue a theatre program that’s been running since 1969 and working closely with the Richards family,” said Chris Mansell, director of GL events Seating & Stadia.

Bringing together brands including Owen Brown, Snowdens, and Seating and Stadia, GL Events UK can provide infrastructure including marquees and temporary structures, seating and stadia construction, to temporary ice rinks, interior design and fit out.