Dear Readers - I had no intention of interfering in the flow of Jane's adventures, but have broken my vow of silence to extol the virtues of this - http://www.shakespeare-in-styria.eu/ - which I went to see last night. I really wasn't expecting much - living close to the RSC spoils you - but can only say I was astounded and delighted by the quality of these productions (Midsummer Night's Dream & King Lear in a double bill) and very impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of the production team and their myriad helpers. The whole thing was even more amazing given that most of the cast were young, inexperienced non-English native speakers and that they had come together for rehearsals only 10 days previously!

Although there was barely a weak performance amongst them, some special mentions must be made. In 'Dream' - seen first to allow the German friends accompanying me to their first live Shakespearian experience to get the feel of the language and style - we were especially impressed by Josephine Mayer (DE) playing Helena & Katharina Paul (DE) as Hermia who gave us what was the best 'girl fight' we have ever seen staged! Nikola Nastoki as Puck was superb and the Macedonian accent added to, rather than distracted from, the characterisation. But the star of the show was undoubtedly Fred Stewart (UK) as Bottom - versatile, funny and

absolutely the best expression of stunned bewilderment I have ever seen. A star in the making I feel!

Lear is obviously a very difficult kettle of fish - both to stage and to watch - especially for a mainly German-speaking audience. It was to the company's great credit, therefore, that they held us all spellbound throughout. Certainly the setting helped - Schloss Murau is beautiful and the director had used the available environment to great effect - but again some wonderful performances made the play. In particular Anna Thierney (A) as Regan, Hanna Taylor Gordon (UK) as Goneril (do not cross these ladies!) and Damien Molony(IR) as a beautifully evil Edmund. John Harwood (UK) put all his obvious experience into Lear. But the star of the show was undoubtedly Diana Kashlan (CZ) playing the dual roles of Cordelia and the Fool and managing also to do the required introductory explanation for the largely Austrian audience in flawless German. We were more than impressed! Finally we should mention here the musicians and their technicians who did a wonderful job and almost had us reaching for our umbrellas during the storm scene, despite the actual 28 degrees!

All in all a perfect afternoon/evening's entertainment - you have converted my friends to Shakespeare and given me a truly great experience and we all thank you. We will be back next year - with friends and guests in tow, we promise!