There are many amongst us who would claim that Shakespeare should always be performed outdoors. I'm a neutral when it comes to that argument but surely no one can deny that this particular play should always be performed in the open.

Of course it helps when the location is as stunning as the walled garden at Shenley Park. Containing a grass covered amphitheatre, this setting on a slightly gloomy midsummers night was perfect for the Bard's take on folklore, fantasy, love and nature.

The cast, all playing multiple roles, were uniformly good but special mention must go to Holly Berry's passionate but confused Helena and also to Robert Paul for his pompous. self-obsessed Bottom. Many other things will stay in the memory though: Lucyelle Cliffe's lovely singing voice, the inventive songs penned by Alistair Smith and Chris Sharp's hilarious suicide as Thisbe in the play within a play to name just three.

Also S P Howarth's sly, mischievious Puck and Emma Burn's Hermia, especially when enraged, stood out.

Great credit must go to Una Buckley for her direction. Despite some occasionally long costume changes the performance never flagged and it was obvious all the players were word perfect and well drilled. She also managed to incorporate genuinely funny slapstick without ever overdoing it. This is also the only Shakespearean play I've seen that managed to sneak in a blast of 'Let's get it on' by Marvin Gaye.

The cast, without lighting, microphones or effects, and despite blustery winds and two rainstorms,did exactly what everyone should do when they perform Shakespeare. They trusted the words.

To be honest, in an ideal world, Shakespeare probably IS better when performed outdoors. And in an ideal world it would always be performed by British Touring Shakespeare.