A double treat for Shakespeare fans

There is something of the Bard in the air this coming week, with Stratford-on-Avon's best-known son getting an airing at two outdoor Midland venues.

The week kicks off with The Taming of the Shrew at Hagley Hall, near Stourbridge, tomorrow.

It is the fourth year Lord Cobham has opened the 500-capacity grounds for an open air play, with previous offerings including The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

The play tells the tale of obstinate, headstrong 'shrew' Katherina, who is worn down gradually through a series of psychological tricks designed to make her into an obedient, servile wife.

Meanwhile, suitors compete for the affections of her eager, desirable younger sister Bianca.

The work – often criticised for its mysogenistic overtones – has been famously adapted in Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate and in the marvellous Heath Ledger film 10 Things I Hate About You.

The Shakespeare in the Park show is at 6pm. Grounds open at 4pm for visitors to take picnics. Refreshments are on sale.

Tickets are £14 for adults, with students and children £9. Family tickets are available for two adults and two children at £37.50. Discounts are available for larger parties.

People who wish can take their own rugs or low-backed seating. For more information, call the events team at Hagley Hall on 01562 887290.

Meanwhile, the Stafford Festival Shakespeare is celebrating its 21st anniversary with a performance of The Comedy of Errors at Stafford Castle.

The play, one of Shakespeare's earliest and most farcical works, tells the story of two sets of identical twins that were accidentally separated at birth.

Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant, Dromio of Syracuse, arrive in Ephesus, which turns out to be the home of their twin brothers, Antipholus of Ephesus and his servant, Dromio of Ephesus.

When the Syracusans encounter the friends and families of their twins, a series of mishaps based on mistaken identities lead to wrongful beatings, a near-seduction, the arrest of Antipholus of Ephesus, and accusations of infidelity, theft, madness, and demonic possession.

The play kicks off on Thursday and promises to be a great success, with most of the tickets now sold. The show also stars Hollyoaks actress Polly Maberly as Luciana.

The RADA graduate, aged 35, has enjoyed success performing in Shakespeare's works before – playing the part of Miranda in the A&BC Theatre production of The Tempest in Holborn.

Actress Jenny Platt, who played Violet in Coronation Street, was also star.

The production runs until July 9. Tickets start from £10 and are on sale now with discounts available for group bookings.

For details and bookings book, call 01785 25463 or visit www.staffordfestival shakespeare.co.uk

Charlotte Cross