Welsh exclusive Shakespeare opens St Donat's summer season

When American actor/director Sam Wanamaker found there was no memorial theatre for the world's greatest playwright, he set about founding one. Now well established on the artistic, tourist and educational trails for Bard lovers, the reconstructed theatre also supports a touring company who make their only visit to Wales this year to open St Donat's Arts Centre's summer season on August 31 with A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Watching this Shakespearean favourite by the sea in the shadow of St Donat's Castle with a picnic should be a great way to spend your August Bank Holiday evening.

Other highlights coming up at the centre include TV and radio's long-lived living legend Nicholas Parsons's one man show; Stranger on the Shore veteran Acker Bilk with his Paramount Jazzmen. Soft Parade founding member and acclaimed jazz and fusion guitarist John Etheridge visits in November.

It's the 40th birthday year of the Vale of Glamorgan Festival in 2009 too, with Catrin Finch and Eleanor Turner making this celebration of living composers a must for harp lovers this year.

Martyn Joseph's passion and power is recognised around the world, but seeing the Valleys-born singer-songwriter in his home country is a special experience. His visit on October 3 is a highlight of the centre's folk and roots programme.

For details on a huge variety of community and arts events to participate in or just sit back enjoy visit the centre's website. Not all tickets and offers are available through the web.