SHAKESPEARE'S The Merchant of Venice is to be performed in the grounds of Brancepeth Castle, in Brancepeth Village, near Durham City, on Sunday.

The castle gates open at 5.30pm for a picnic on the grass. The play, produced by Heartbreak Products Open Air Theatre, starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12.50, or a £6 concession for pensioners and people in full-time education. To book, call 0191-378-9992 or 0191-378- 0628