In the words of the mechanicals, ‘This green plot shall be our stage’. Oxford School of Drama could not have chosen a more appropriate venue for their students to perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream than the Pleasure Gardens of Blenheim Palace. Fairy spirits will wander literally ‘Over hill, over dale, Thorough bush, thorough briar,’ in a landscaped section of these 2,500 acres of parkland, once a part of the ancient forest of Wychwood. The nearby bowers such as Rosamund’s Well could offer nobility such as Hippolyta and Theseus an escape from the formality of court life. The old oak trees of the conservation area, as captured in Henry Taunt’s photography, will perhaps inspire the magic of the two young couples chasing around a wood falling in and out of love. ‘Capability’ Brown’s 18th century landscape along with the fine truthful acting that is the hallmark of the Oxford School of Drama will ‘Stir up the Athenian youth to merriments’ as Brown’s nearby water cascade falls onto a rockery and delivers ‘The raging rocks, and shiver shocks’.

During the run of the show (June 11th-21st excluding Sunday 15th) there are two separate casts running in rep, each led by a different director. This offers the perfect excuse for enjoying two evenings al fresco and comparing two refreshingly vital interpretations of the same Shakespearean classic comedy.

The cast performing on the 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th and 20th June, is directed by Daniel Goldman of 'Tangram Theatre' and includes Nav Khan, Ben Ward, Anna Bolton and Amy Cudden. Goldman sets his production in the modern day. The Royals are set to take on the air of Sloane Rangers, no doubt highly comfortable in what was once the hunting ground of Norman nobility, as mentioned in the Domesday book. The Fairies have been inspired by movement from the animal kingdom, which should mix well with the background of rough pasture landscape. The alternate cast opens the run and includes Jenny Pick as the beleaguered Helena alongside other finalists from the School’s prestigious one-year postgraduate Acting course.

One thing’s for sure, Robin Goodfellow will weave his merry mischief as the sun sets over hills levelling out into the flat lands of the Upper Thames Valley. The Pleasure Gardens at Blenheim offer stunning landscape views. These will be enhanced mid-June by the storytelling of these talented students who are prepared to shape the landscape of theatre during their careers. Look forward to an evening at the foot of the Cotswolds, where Titania will be ‘Ill met by moonlight’, and stars of the not too distant future will entertain.

Gates are open from 6pm for the audience to enjoy their own picnic or purchase refreshments on site where free parking is available. No dogs are permitted. Tickets are priced at £14 (half price for children) with student and senior concessions available for £10. Tickets can be booked in advance by calling the box office on 01993 810510.