DESPITE fears of a downpour hundreds flocked to Hagley Hall for an outdoor performance of a Shakespeare favourite.

The Chapterhouse Theatre Company Production of The Taming of The Shrew on June 18 saw audience members arriving with picnics ready for a cultural night out in the grounds of the historic home.

The show was the fourth visit to the hall by the company and organisers say the group are already booked to return in 2012.

Kate Oliver, head of events at Hagley Hall, said: “We are very happy, it was all smashing, about 300 people came along.

“Lord Cobham was a bit concerned about the weather and we put a canopy and although it stayed dry it was quite windy and people appreciated the shelter.”