SUMMER in the city wouldn't be the same without Exeter Northcott's Shakespeare in the Park.

In association with Ludlow Festival, the company will present Romeo and Juliet at Rougemont Gardens, Exeter, from Thursday, July 16 to Saturday, August 8.

The timeless story of young love and old feuds will burst onto the stage from the trees and banks of this unique castle setting. Box Office: 01392 493493.

The Bard also takes centre stage in Taunton soon. From Wednesday, July 15, to Saturday, July 18, Shakespeare's Globe on Tour presents A Midsummer Night's Dream in the beautiful surroundings of Hestercombe Gardens.

And on Thursday, July 23, you can catch the celebrated feminist Germaine Greer at the Brewhouse Theatre, talking about the intriguing life of Shakespeare's wife

She will talk of the life and times of Anne Hathaway, with and without Will, in Stratford-upon-Avon, to help put their marriage into its social context.

Box office: 01823 283244.