Wherefore art thou, Romeo? Shakespeare comes to Lord's © Graham Morris

A Shakespeare production is set to be staged at Lord's, for the first time in its 220-year history.

If permission is granted, Romeo and Juliet will be performed on Sunday 2 September, in front of the pavilion. MCC expect 500 people to attend.

MCC's secretary and chief executive, Keith Bradshaw, said: "This is a great partnership between MCC and Shakespeare's Globe. It's a tremendous opportunity for us to stage a world-class Shakespeare production at Lord's. The feedback from local residents and MCC Members has already been tremendous. I'm optimistic that we'll get all the necessary go-aheads from the Council. If so, I'm sure we'll have a great success on our hands."

The troupe's director, Edward Dick, said: "Everyone at Shakespeare's Globe is already looking forward to hitting the road for the first time, and performing at great venues right across the country. It's what happened 400 years ago, when tours played a key role in the itineraries of Elizabethan acting companies. We're particularly excited by the prospect of performing at Lord's. It's always a great setting; I'm sure it would provide our first-ever tour with a fantastic finale."

Tickets cost £35 and £20 and will be on sale to local residents and MCC members only initially.