Shakespeare Live, now in its 26th year of outdoor shows, is on a high.

Not only has the amateur group been awarded charitable status, based on its aims to produce high quality plays and to encourage young people in particular to watch and participate, but also a new contract with Lackham College ensures it can continue to use the lovely grounds in Lacock.

The main production for 2014 is Macbeth, from July 7-12, with all the usual picnicking, catering, easy parking and the tiered covered stand. Becky Fradley-Stokes’ production will be in a timeless setting and will explore the love, arrogance, sexuality, sickness and ambition that pervade the play, not forgetting the supernatural and occult. The box office is open on 07780 938107 or through www.shakespearelive.com On top of all this, for the third consecutive year they have been awarded a performance slot at the RSC open-air venue at Stratford-upon-Avon on August 16, when a compilation of the Bard’s work will create a journey through the seasons: The Rain it Raineth Every Day.