SHAKESPEARE performed in the open air has become a popular annual event at Sand, Sidbury. This year the Elizabethan house and gardens was the backdrop for Much Ado About Nothing, which raised the princely sum of £1,400 for the Army Benevolent Fund in the

SHAKESPEARE performed in the open air has become a popular annual event at Sand, Sidbury.This year the Elizabethan house and gardens was the backdrop for Much Ado About Nothing, which raised the princely sum of £1,400 for the Army Benevolent Fund in the South West.Stephen and Stella Huyshe-Shires, whose home Sand is, promoted the event jointly with the charity's Exeter branch.The all male cast of the Festival Theatre Players from Gloucestershire, attracted nearly 200 people, many of whom picnicked in the gardens before the play began.Sand is one stop on its national touring programme and the audience met the cast's high quality performance with justifiably enthusiastic applause.The £1,400 raised from the ABF's share of gate receipts, together with generous sponsorship from Fields of Sidmouth and other donations, will go towards helping those in the area who face distress or hardship following active service with the Armed forces.