WELL, a year in the planning, weeks of worrying and fretting, several tantrums, and large amounts of alcohol drunk, and Shakespeare at the Commandery is upon us - it starts next Tuesday, two weeks of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

It is a new initiative for Worcester Live, and it is planned as an annual event.

Dream' is one of Shakespeare's most accessible plays - it is full of humour and fun, of couples falling out with each other, of misunderstandings, of magic and a little bit of sex thrown in for good measure.

In this production, there is live music, a pre-show entertainment and plenty of comedy. Bring a picnic, bring a chair (although you can hire one for £1.50), bring a bottle, and come and make history by being present at the first year of Shakespeare at the Commandery. It is my intention that there will be one every year for at least the next 500 years, although I have to reluctantly accept that there is a possibility that I may not still be directing it in 2507!

Now come on, loyal readers, the weather's going to be great, the play's going to be fun, and the occasion's going to be wonderful.

No excuses, now, let's see you supporting the new venture in large numbers. It'll be magic!