Cambridge is the city of bicycles, history and academia and during the summer it really comes into its own. For six weeks during the summer the revered colleges of Cambridge University open up their immaculate gardens and play host to some of the Bard’s greatest works, celebrating history, comedy, and tragedy, Cambridge Shakespeare Festival is an idiosyncrasy of the city which for me is the highlight of the summer.

For the full tourist experience or just sheer enjoyment of all that is Cambridge, a day spent on the river punting, wandering around the historic buildings and then topped off with a picnic, a bottle of wine and a viewing of one of Shakespeare’s masterpieces is a must for any visitor to the city. Come rain or shine the actors continue, a rainy spell can heighten the drama of a play such as The Tempest but not much can top a beautiful warm sunny evening to watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

There is something humbling and special about being sat out in the open gardens on a summer’s eve, surrounded by families, academics, teenagers, children and international visitors to Cambridge. All able to interpret Shakespeare in their own way but appreciates nonetheless. Shakespeare has an uncanny ability to transcend time, space and culture, his plays resonate as much today as they did in his time and with evolving meaning but the eternally poignant confrontation of core human emotions and values which are challenged, broken down and restored.

http://www.cambridgeshakespeare.com/programme/