A boastful toad was spotted by visitors to Cirencester’s Abbey Grounds this week.

The large green creature could be seen leaping near the river that runs through it.

However, it was not an endangered creature but an actor preparing for his role as Toad of Toad Hall as part of the Barn Theatre’s BarnFest Festival.

The outdoor festival, which is being held within the grounds of Ingleside House adjacent to the theatre, will bring the award-winning theatre outdoors with entertaining productions catered towards the whole family starting with three day time shows.

Outdoor theatre company Illyria Theatre will be bringing three of their acclaimed productions to the festival: The Wind in the Willows 10 to 15 August, The Emperor’s New Clothes, 17 to 22 August and The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle, 24 to 28 August.

The festival began last month and runs until September 5.

There are evening performances every night and this week, Rosie Day, who starred in the Golden Globe award-nominated television series Outlander, is starring in her play Instructions For A Teenage Armageddon from 10 to August 15.

Then, new theatre company Scoot Theatre will bring their re-imagined production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a 60-minute retelling set within the world of cricket, to the festival from 29 to July 30. Aaron Sidwell of EastEnders and Barn Theatre’s Henry V, will star.

The season will also feature two brand new co-productions from the Barn Theatre.

The first will be a new production of Simon Reade’s play adaptation of Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo, directed by Alexander Knott, will run at BarnFest from 17 to August 22.

The show is co-produced by Take Two Theatricals, BoxLess Theatre and the Barn Theatre.

Areas will be divided into boxes which individuals or families can purchase.

Pricing for boxes begins at £40 for up to four people with couple boxes, disability and premium options also available.