It’s a lovely day today, just right for a bit of Shakespearean nonsense. And you can speculate idly on whether Shakespeare himself might have visited the area, while writing the play in 1598, to see frequent visitor Queen Elizabeth I and her astrologer John Dee, who lived over the road from St. Mary the Virgin.

Putney Theatre Company

Directed by Stuart Watson I do suffer love indeed, for I love thee against my will. Bantering bachelor Benedick’s “merry war” of words with witty Beatrice seems fated to keep them apart, provoking their scheming friends to plot a happy ending for the quarrelsome couple. Meanwhile bashful young Claudio loves sweet, naïve Hero and is loved in return.  Nothing, it seems, can prevent their marriage.  But the path of true love never runs smooth.  Foul play is afoot as devious  Don John plots to split the young lovers asunder. Putney Theatre Company On Tour brings Shakespeare’s dazzling comedy of romance, deceit and self-discovery for an open-air performance on Sunday 10th August @ 3pm–St Mary’s the Virgin Church, Mortlake

Venue: the stunning church grounds of this historic church in Mortlake SW14 8JA. Don’t get it mixed up with the similarly named St Mary Magdalen Church, Mortlake which is nearby. There is some street parking on Mortlake High Street, or you can get the train to Mortlake, from where it’s a 5-10 minute walk.. The 378 bus stops just outside, or you can get the 337 from Putney and it’s a 10 minute walk from the nearest stop in East Sheen.

Seating is provided, but you can sit on picnic blankets if you arrive early and snag a front row area. Toilets are on site.

Bring your own food and drink.

Search for more about this historic church at the Barnes and Mortlake History Society website at http://www.barnes-history.org.uk and