The fates, well they were kind to the folk of Frome who headed to outdoor theatre at The Merlin and were blessed with sunshine and Shakespeare's verbal sparring at its best ; even if some found the sudden heat a little too much.

Award-winning Illyria gave a romping good outing to Twelfth Night, with bawdy mix ups, masters as mistresses and maidens, who enjoyed some greatness, all the while explaining that yellow was definitely NOT one suitor's colour of love.

But it was hot, and the audience were also encouraged into a little improv, re fashioning umbrellas, T shirts, the nicely largely theatre programme, and even some cushions, into some make-shift air conditioning.

For those not in the know, Shakespeare's comic tale is of gender swaps, hapless wooing, and a certain pair of bright coloured stockings which do not have the desired impact in a gamesmanship of love.

It was hard and hot work for the cast of the company, which has been delighting crowds for over 30 years and what better than a case of mistaken identities, crossed lines and crossed gaiters to delight a Sunday afternoon who were ready with picnics and cold drinks to enjoy the show.

Frome Nub News was lucky to find the shadow of a stone to shelter under

The multi-talented production crew, joked, skipped and danced through an abridged version of Shakespeare's comedic special with super fast costume changes and some impressive set work.

Catch these wandering minstrels if you can as they bring out the sun for some TOP NOTCH theatre.