A Midsummer Night's Dream - Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds

The title may say it's summer, but someone forgot to tell the great British weather that.

An evening of torrential rain and strong winds makes it feel more like October than July.

But the weather does little to dampen the enthusiasm and spirit of the rj williamson company, which makes a welcome return to the historic setting of Kirkstall Abbey.

From the first moment to the last the players manage to capture the magic and mirth of this popular Shakespearean comedy about love and romantic confusion.

Helena loves Demetrius, but he is now in love with Hermia, who has in turn fallen for Lysander.

When her father tells her to wed Demetrius, Hermia escapes into the woods with Lysander, but complications arise.

King and Queen of the fairies, Oberon and Titania, are locked in a dispute over a boy she has adopted, so Oberon instructs servant Puck to sprinkle magic love drops into Titania's eyes.

However, she falls in love with Bottom, a weaver who is taking part in a play and has been turned into a donkey by the mischievous Puck.

What follows are many romantic mix-ups and misunderstandings.

Head honcho Robert Williamson is on good form as Theseus and Oberon, and forms a feisty partnership with Sarah-Jayne Steed as Hippolyta and Titania.

Dancer Wayne Sleep,pictured, is excellent as the impish Puck and is still very nifty on his pins. There is also fine comic support from an excellent cast, especially from Derek Crewe as Bottom.

The blend of comedy, dance and music is just right, and is perfect entertainment for a summer's evening. If only the weather will now oblige ...

A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet run at Kirkstall Abbey until August 18.

For details phone 0113 2243801.