Open air Shakespeare coming to a garden near you

The show was the idea of Steve McAdam, a chartered accountant of Ledborough Wood, who is giving over his large garden to the production and John Timewell, a retired Glaxo training manager from Flackwell Heath, who has directed amateur dramatic productions throughout his adult life.
Mr McAdam, who plays Don Pedro, said: "It's terrific that this is happening. I've been in probably 50 amateur dramatic productions over 25 years but this is the first one that's been in my own back yard.
"It's exciting, but also a bit nerve wracking, because this time we've also got portaloos, insurance, and St John's Amulance to think about.
"The garden particularly lends itself to this sort of thing, because it has mature trees, and the woodland behind. It's ideal for Shakespeare."
Set in the modern day, the performance will contain "one or two surprises" and will go ahead come rain or shine, with the audience expected to bring umbrellas and waterproofs if rain is forecast.
Barry Gibb, whose estate adjoins Mr McAdam's garden, has been invited, as has Prince William, who is patron of the The Child Bereavement Charity which will receive profits from the production.
Mr Timewell said: "We chose Much Ado because it's one of the really good comedies and it has one distinct advantage, given that our cast is an older group of people, which is that the lovers don't need to be teenagers or even in their twenties. It's got some cracking parts and it will really work outside."
Performances are on June 18, 19 and 20 at 7.30pm. For tickets, £15, telephone 01628 522854. See www.childbereavement.org.uk