IT has been a good summer for Shakespeare. His work has been taken out of traditional theatres and performed in a variety of outdoor venues - Tredegar Park and Chepstow Castle to name but two.

But have you ever heard of Shakespeare underground? Across the Wye, in the Forest of Dean, a company of players will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream, 100 feet underground.

The comedy masterpiece will be played in a candle-lit underground theatre in the largest cavern of the Clearwell Caves.

Jonathan Wright, who runs the caves, said it was the first time they had held a theatre production like this.

The Drama Workshop of Waltham Forest have played some interesting venues including the open-air Minack in Cornwall. They have also taken part in productions in Potsdam, Germany.

Director Don Hart said: "The Clearwell Caves are our most amazing venue yet. "The cast are really excited and can't wait to begin."

The Clearwell Caves were first mined 2,500 years ago and were worked for iron ore until 1945.

Like Big Pit near Pontypool, the caves are now a mining museum. The first performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream will be 8pm, Friday, August 24, followed by two performances on Saturday, 25 at 5.30pm and 8pm. The final performance is on Sunday, August 26 at 5.30pm.

There will be a 20-minute interval when light refreshments will be served. The temperature underground is a constant 10C Tickets are £6 adults, £4 children. They are available on site or by telephoning 01594 832535.