Preview: Open Air Shakespeare at Lauderdale House

It's a first for Lauderdale House, hosting an open air theatre and presenting Much Ado About Nothing in what should be ideal late summer conditions (good luck with that). But Regents Park Open Air Theatre has already put on this Shakespeare comedy this year and we were rather partial to it. So what new can Lauderdale House offer us?

Well, for a start, it's being performed on a tea lawn rather than a steeply pitched permanent auditorium, so the feel will be different, perhaps somewhat more quaint. And this 'Ado' is set in the roaring twenties with north London's Veni Vidi Theatre Company taking inspiration from the jazz era and populating its production with bright young things - which bodes well for the witty banter and warring lovers. We truly hope one big similarity the shows share is fine weather. Shakespeare's comedy may be masterful but soggy seats can't be much fun. Fingers crossed. We'll be there on press night.

Much Ado About Nothing is on the tea lawn at Lauderdale House, Highgate at 8pm, 25th - 28th August 2009. Tickets £10/8/6 (pick sitting on the grass or a posh seat). Nearest tube, Archway.