Picnics and Prosecco were the perfect accompaniment to the pilgrims in the latest open-air theatre taking centre stage at a popular Cumbrian country park.

Talkin Tarn near Brampton proved to be a diversion on the route from London to Canterbury for The Pantaloons touring theatre company’s adaption of the medieval mayhem in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales .

More than 100 people pitched their camping chairs, cushions and blankets outside the tearoom to ensure they were in comfort to catch up with a modern-day version of the tales.

Many had packed sandwiches, picnics, drinks and ice-creams to enjoy the simply-staged show in scenic surroundings.

creative

Four members of the comedic theatre company presented Geoffrey Chaucer’s 24 timeless tales in less than two hours under Thursday evening’s darkening skies.

The creative cast members used their sharp, quick-fire wit and rapid delivery to warm up the audience before the family show started at 7pm.

They explained that a fifth member of their team was missing from their adaption, adding that her 16 characters would be shared between them.

Their adaption of the Middle England tales, which date back to the late 1500s, featured the use of modern-day language.

The crew also creatively turned the nearby children’s playground into part of their small set.

Two actors stood on top of a piece of play equipment during early prison scenes in the opening Knight’s Tale to elevate themselves above the audience.

They also regularly walked through the audience during the performance.

Talkin Tarn’s ducks did not seem to mind the disruption, continuing to line up along the shore, despite the arrival of a fluffy parrot and a rubber chicken among the actors’ props.

Theatre goers at the show included Ian and Su Castle, of Brocklewath near Wetheral, who were sat alongside friends David and Marianne Wilson, of Lowry Hill, Carlisle, in the front row.

Mr Wilson said: “I saw this advertised and thought it would be great to come along. We were at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle the night before seeing a 1950s/60s show so this is very different.”

Alissa Moore, 15, of Harraby, Carlisle was there with her mother Jenny.

“We thought it would be good. It’s something that doesn’t happen here every day, but I’ve brought a coat and brolly just in case,” said Jenny.

The production is the latest event to be staged this summer by Carlisle City Council, which runs Talkin Tarn Country Park.