An outdoor festival celebrating the work of Shakespeare is set to return following last year's sell-out success.

Theatre company RJ Williamson, which last year transformed the grounds of Brighton's Royal Pavilion into an open-air theatre, has announced it will visit the city again next month.

Sixteen professional actors will take part in the festival, which will take place between July 1 and 13.

As You Like It, one of William Shakespeare's most popular romantic comedies, will be performed together with Hamlet, which is one of the Bard's most famous plays.

Spokeswoman Laura Meakin said: "We are expecting many performances to sell out this year.

"The performances are suitable for all age groups and star names will be announced shortly.

"The Royal Pavilion provides the perfect backdrop for two of Shakespeare's most popular plays.

"As You Like It is one of his best loved romantic comedies and Hamlet is believed by many to be the greatest play of all time.

"It will be a magical open-air festival combining love, laughter and amorous adventure with a stunning chronicle of passion, murder and revenge.

"It will be performed by a professional company, which continues to delight audiences and critics."

David Sewell, proprietor of the nearby Pavilion Gardens Cafe, said: "I am delighted they are coming back.

"It will be excellent. Last year it was a pleasure to see and hear the actors rehearsing their parts."

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "It's great to have this typically Brighton event back.

"It's a perfect location - historic drama in an historic setting. The Pavilion and gardens should lend the whole thing a magical atmosphere."

All performances will start at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Dome box office on 01273 709709.