A FROLIC IN THE PARK AT NIGHT WITH HERO AND SOME BARD GUYS

The majestic fountain in Raphael Park lake, a perfect setting for Shakespeare

With spring in the air in between the April/May bouts of snow and torrential rain, it is time to look forward to getting out and about, and the town’s Raphael Park is the place to be.

A fitting tribute to Havering  Council’s ground force of gardeners, the Main Road site on the outskirts of Romford, is beautiful and the venue of lots of jollies including the annual dose of culture with Shakespeare in the Park by Romford Summer Theatre (RST) in June.

The elegant fountain set in the middle of the lake is so English and along with the interval tea and cake and hungry mosquitoes free roaming among the seating during the performance, the feeling of being exposed to the Bard at his elemental best is one not to be missed.

This year’s comedy is Much Do About Nothing, a remarkable two hours of total confusion and mistaken identity, that keeps the mirth and fun at fever pitch.

The play tells the story of two pairs of lovers; Hero and Claudio, eager and impatient, and  Beatrice and Benedick, fighting against their mutual attraction.

Add to the mix, Don John, who will do anything to upset the intended nuptials of Claudio and Hero to spite his brother.

Showing the total versatility of Shakespeare’s work, the play is set during the second Boer War, where the red-coated uniforms of the soldiers and the elegant gowns of the late Victorian, early Edwardian era will be perfectly highlighted against the atmospheric background of The Rockery in Raphael Park.

The performances are 8pm, 16 / 17/ 18  & 23 / 24 / 25 June 2016 and  3pm Sunday 19  June 2016

Tickets are £10 with concessions at £8 and available on line from the dedicated website http://twitter.com@summertheatre, or Romford Summer Theatre on Facebook.

Directed by June Fitzgerald, herself no mean actress with years of Shakespeare to her credit,  the seven performances are the perfect way to spend a summer evening in a richly lit backdrop of a dedicated outdoor stage that satisfies all tastes.

Just in case of inclement elements patrons are advised to bring umbrellas and blankets. Well you never know.