FALL in love with a Jane Austen classic all over again while enjoying open theatre at Walton Hall.

The gardens of the country house are playing host to an outdoor performance of Emma by Heartbreak Productions on Saturday.

The Leamington Spa thespians are encouraging theatre-goers to bring a picnic and blankets and have updated the 19th century story, described by some critics as Austen's masterpiece, for modern audiences.

Bronwyn Ainsworth, from Heartbreak Productions, said: "Be transported back to a time when finding the perfect match was the order of the day.

"Exploring themes of class, dating and friendship, Austen’s classic novel Emma has something for everyone. "Heartbreak’s outdoor adaptation presents this pastoral rom-com straight from Regency England as a play within a play, where the loveable, meddling Emma tries to match up her friends and fails miserably.

"Laugh at the non-stop chatter of Mrs Bates, the worrisome Mr Woodhouse, snobbish Mrs Elton and swoon for reluctant hero, Mr Knightley.

"So come prepared with your picnic, your blankets and sit back and admire the wit and humour of Austen’s characters who are still recognisable and relevant today."

Heartbreak Productions was formed in 1991 and the group is now in its 24th year of touring open-air theatre.

- Emma is at Walton Hall on Saturday. For tickets visit warrington.gov.uk/waltonhall or call 262908.

For more information visit heartbreakproductions.co.uk