SHAKESPEARE is alive and well and being performed at Blackpool's Stanley Park this week.

A few sound glitches marred an otherwise enchanting opening night on Thursday of The Taming of the Shrew.

It was a memorable production, right from its unconventional start when modern joggers stumble across Tudor characters through to a heartwarming, musical ending.

There was even an interval, with an opportunity to sip hot coffee or enjoy a packed tea by the park's Italian Gardens while the cast and musicians entertained with Elizabethan dance.

Premier Theatre Company -- backed by Blackpool Borough Council -- claim this to be the first ever Shakespearian production to incorporate a full orchestra (15 strong) and singers (all 12 of them).

I can't deny it was a very different, even brave, production for Blackpool -- with its Cole Porter Kiss Me Kate songs seeming a little off-the-wall and the wavering weather threatening a drenching now and then.

But it was a joy to see Stanley Park's bandstand and amphitheatre being used in this way. And, mercifully, it just about stayed dry.

Heather Cartmell's sassy shrew Kate met her match in Petruchio, played by real life hubby Keith Cartmell. They worked exceptionally well as a pair, giving plenty of punch to lines and making their spiky encounters very entertaining.

In all, it's a very civilised affair. Just remember to pre-order your picnic tea with your tickets, take change for coffee, or a flask, and (most importantly) something to sit on -- otherwise you'll have a distinctly unglamorous numb bum from sitting on the amphitheatre's stone steps.

The show runs tonight (Thursday, September 18) tomorrow and Saturday at 7.15pm. For tickets costing £12-15 telephone the box office one 290190.