Shakespeare up your life this summer and help Tauranga's Habitat for Humanity ReStore at the same time.

The city's newest theatre troupe Summer Shakespeare Tauranga is proud to presents its inaugural production of Twelfth Night onThe Lawnin the Historic Village from Friday night until February 13.

Summer Shakespeare Tauranga's inaugural production of ‘Twelfth Night' opens at the Historic Village tonight. From left: Ginevra Wohlstadt as Fabian, Craig Teaz as Sir Toby Belch and David Holt Sir Andrew Aguecheek. Photo JP Joubert

The company is working with Habitat who are sourcing items for the show as well as transporting the set, and in turn SST will donate all proceeds from the sale of their programmes to the charity.

Tauranga ReStore manager Craig Teaz, who plays Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night, says the money raised will be donated to the store to help further develop its local building programme.

'This is an amazing chance for us all to give something back to charity,” says Craig.

'With the help of hundreds of volunteers each year, Habitat builds new homes, plus repair and renovate houses to meet the needs of Tauranga locals.”

Craig says with Twelfth Night the company is wanting to bring Shakespeare to those who've never experienced it before.

'People can be scared off Shakespeare by the language, but the way we're presenting Twelfth Night, this is such a fun, light and well-presented show that will certainly appeal to not only Joe and Jane Blogs but those who are familiar with the Bard too.”

Craig Teaz as Sir Toby Belch and David Holt as Sir Andrew Aguecheek. Photo JP Joubert

Director Dylan Frewin says outdoor theatre productions like theirs are a fantastic catalyst for 'charity, community and human interaction”.

'This a good wholesome thing for us to do,” explains Dylan. 'What I also like about Habitat is they meet you halfway, they're helping us and we can now help them, it's like two cherries on the cake.”

SST production of Twelfth Night features a cast of talented actors who range in age and experience – from first timers to well-practiced thespians like Craig who've appeared in more than 50 productions.

The cast and crew have been working hard since last August to present a production that'd knock the socks off Shakespeare himself.

While Dylan confesses to feeling some nervous excitement ahead of the season, it's also peppered with confidence.

'We can't wait to have the show in front of an audience because there's going to be so much for them to enjoy.

'There's that youthful enthusiasm rubbing shoulders with the more experienced, practiced hands and it's been magnificent in that respects. I've definitely seen the younger actors absorbing quite a lot of it, so that has been quite special.”

The season kicks off on Friday with a Gala Opening Night hosted by The Incubator, and will feature musicians, street performers, a Venetian-themed bar and hot food and takes place at the Historic Village from 5pm.

SST presents Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at the Historic Village from January 29 to February 13. Tickets available online from Eventfinda or for more information visit: www.summershakespearetauranga.org.nz

Lady Olivia's household, back from left: Stella Cooke as Servant to Olivia, Stephen Ormsby as Malvolio, Nadine Tibbits as Lady Olivia, Craig Teaz as Sir Toby Belch and David Holt as Sir Andrew Aguecheek. Front from left: Eden Smith as The Priest/ Sea Captain, Ginevra Wohlstadt as Fabian and Jess Ghaemaghamy as Feste. Photo JP Joubert