SHAKESPEARE on a summer's evening returned to Lydiard Park over the weekend and glorious weather played the starring role.

Heartbreak Productions returned to Swindon for a second year to perform Richard III on Friday night and Romeo and Juliet on Saturday.

More than 300 people gathered on the lawn in front of Lydiard House on Friday night for the tale of a scheming cripple who plotted and murdered his way to the English throne. And Saturday night was expected to be a sell-out crowd of 500 for the bitter-sweet tale of young love between members of two warring families.

Play-goers entered into the spirit of the evening on both nights coming amply prepared with lavish picnics.

The Palladian facade of 18th century Lydiard House provided an imposing and dramatic backdrop for the action made all the more effective as darkness fell and floodlights cast it into dramatic relief.

Heartbreak Productions rewarded the large audiences with slick and professional interpretations which were enthusiastically received on both evenings.