THERE can be few better ways to spend a Sunday afternoon than enjoying sunshine, Shakespeare and scones in the glorious setting of the Herefordshire countryside.

Lyde Court recently hosted a sublime re-telling of two of Shakespeare’s best loved plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest, in Company of Angels’ one-man show, told from the perspective of two relatively minor characters.

While wholly respectful of The Bard’s original text, this powerful, thought-provoking take on these two literary standards, written by Tim Crouch and directed by John Retallack, breathed new life into the words and actions.

All were remarkably given life by Jimmy Whiteaker. Funny, physical, tender and touching by turns it was a powerhouse performance that totally involved the rapt audience.

As an interesting counterpoint a super afternoon tea was served in the grounds to the accompaniment of the Castle St Quartet jazz band. Idyllic and quintessentially English, it was simply the perfect combination.