ONE of the highlights of the English summer season is the chance to enjoy outdoor entertainment in the glorious setting of an historic National Trust landscape.

This year, the curtain lifts on a vibrant season of outdoor theatre, live music and cinema at picture-postcard locations in Hampshire. From 1940s jazz to murder mysteries and The Tales of Beatrix Potter, there’s fun and excitement, drama and comedy to suit all ages.

The live entertainment and beautiful setting is provided, so all visitors need to do is pack a picnic and a blanket and they have all the ingredients for a perfect summer evening.

Show-stoppers in Hampshire include:

Mottisfont Abbey

(near Romsey)

* Murder on the Terrace

(July 14, 7pm-9.30pm. Tickets: Adults £16, children £8. To book, call 0844 249 1895)

The scene is set: a respectable garden party to celebrate Lord Cava’s retirement and the handing over of his sparkling wine empire is suddenly thrown into disarray by murder. The sardonic Inspector Back arrives to investigate in this spoof Agatha Christie murder-mystery comedy romp. Can you unravel this whodunit puzzle and solve the mystery?

* Once Upon a Time There Were Four Little Rabbits

(July 22, 4pm-6pm. Tickets: Adults £16, children £8. To book, call 0844 249 1895)

This summer, Mottisfont celebrates the 150th birthday of one of our most beloved children’s authors and illustrators, Beatrix Potter. A highlight of the season is Quantum Theatre’s delightful new production, Once Upon a Time There Were Four Little Rabbits, which follows the escapades of two of our favourite – and naughtiest – characters, Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Find out what happens when they decide to explore Mr McGregor’s garden and all its enticing vegetables.

This magical and enchanting experience is a treat for young and old alike.

* Ratburger

(August 10, 4pm-6pm. Tickets: Adults £16, children £8. To book, call 0844 249 1895)

Poor Zoe’s hamster has died and her lazy stepmother, Sheila, doesn’t care. In fact, she’s so lazy that she wants Zoe to pick her nose for her – eeewwww! And now the evil Burt from Burt’s Burgers wants to turn her pet rat into a burger! Join Heartbreak Productions for this hilarious thriller, adapted for the outdoor stage from David Walliams’ bestseller.

The Vyne

(near Basingstoke)

* Much Ado about Nothing

(August 13, 7pm. Tickets £19 per person. To book, call 0844 249 1895)

In the year that marks the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to join them for Shakespeare’s sparkling battle-of-the-sexes comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. Triumphant in battle, Don Pedro and his men return to Messina. The Governor, Leonato, toasts their success by throwing a masquerade ball where well-intentioned plots and evil schemes abound as enemies deceive lovers and friends trick friends in this lively summer comedy.

Hinton Ampner

(Bramdean, near Alresford)

* Summer Jazz

(July 30 & August 20, 12pm-3pm, normal admission charge)

Join Harry Strutters jazz trio at Hinton Ampner. Relax on the lawns and soak up the beautiful views as you listen to some traditional jazz classics. Bring a picnic and stay all day.

* Vintage Jazz

(August 7 & September 4, 1pm-3pm, normal admission charge)

Relax with a picnic on our manicured lawns and listen to vintage jazz from the FB Pocket Orchestra as they take you back to the hot jazz, blues, ragtime and popular dances of the 1920s and 1930s.

Uppark

(South Harting, near Petersfield)

* Jazz and picnic evening

(July 23, 6pm-8pm. Tickets £12.50 per person. To book, call 0844 249 1895)

Tune in to the sounds of vintage jazz from the FB Pocket Orchestra, as they take you back to the hot jazz, blues, ragtime & popular dances of the 1920s and 1930s. Bring a picnic and stretch out on Uppark’s cools lawn to enjoy panoramic views over the South Downs.

* Jazz Saturday

(September 3, 2pm-4pm, normal admission charge)

Relax on the lawns and soak up the panoramic views as you listen to some traditional jazz classics. Bring a picnic and stay all day.