In the park near dark

I've strolled past Prince Street Gardens many a time over the last few months, usually when I'm out for an evening stroll, and more often than not I've found myself lamenting the empty Ross Bandstand in the west gardens. It always seemed a shame to me that it's consistently empty, particularly during the summer months when it would make an ideal setting for some sort of theatre. An odd oversight for a city reknown for it's arts scene.

I've fond memories of visiting the open air theatre in Regents Park in London. It's a wonderful, magical setting, nestled away in the midst of a bustling metropolis, it's isolation only marred by the occasional roar of a jumbo jet on it's way to Heathrow. Princes Street Gardens has it's own set of charms. Unfortunately it's north and south aspects bounded by a railway line and busy road respectively, but it does have a magnificent view of the castle to make up for it some.

Anyway, there I was again outside the gardens, about to once more begin my lament when a young woman thrust a leaflet into my hands which proudly announced the arrival of the first Edinburgh Shakespeare festival. It's only a small festival, but I'm much gladdened by it's arrival. On the programme are "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Romeo & Juliet", the first of which I've seen twice already, and the latter which I've not and which is presently starring Sean R. Brosnan, son of Pierce). Time to stir the pot and see whom I can persuade to tag along with me. Next week should provide me with a most excellent excuse to get out and about to the theatre once more.

Any takers?