As the sun threatens to come out, so the Bard creeps out from under canvas to begin the Oxford summer Shakespeare season – as predictable as strawberries and cream, Wimbledon or Pimms and lemonade. And fortunately for us, writes KATHERINE MacALISTER, as the many productions are all kicking off at the same time, we can bring you our selection of the best open-air Shakespeare to be found in this fair city.

1 Hamlet, usually a winter staple, is coming out to play in the magical setting of The Bodleian Quadrangle from Tuesday. Brought to us by The Globe, via The Playhouse Plays Out series, after five years here, its reputation speaks for itself.

So discover or revisit one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, and watch this damned Danish king on his journey of self-discovery, fated love and political intrigue. Hamlet runs from Tuesday until Thursday, July 26.

lTickets sell quickly, so book early on 01865 305305 or book online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com.

2 The wonderful Said Business School amphitheatre will again provide the backdrop to Creation’s 2012 offering, this year The Merchant of Venice.

Never one to take the traditional route, rumours of a voyage to 1930s Venice with live jazz, vintage costume and of course the infamous ‘pound of flesh’ are all in the offing.

Said by many to be an essential part of any Oxford summer, Creation’s Merchant of Venice is set amid the hustle and bustle of the docks, where Bassanio, a down-at-heel nobleman, needs cash to fulfil his romantic ambitions with Portia, and approaches the notorious Shylock. What follows is as familiar a moral lesson on debt as any you will find today and therefore as relevant.

l Creation’s The Merchant Of Venice runs from Wednesday until Saturday, September 1. Call 01865 766266 or book online at www.creationtheatre.co.uk 3 Next up is that summer stalwart A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this year brought to you in the atmospheric gardens of Wadham College.

Never ones to rest on their laurels, this Oxford Shakespeare Company production takes place in the imagined world of a group of university undergraduates as they are forced to ‘find’ themselves and fight for love, as well as survive a night in the ‘wilderness’.

Not only hugely appropriate, the audience in the walled garden of the college will watch the magical story of the marriage of the Duke of Athens, Theseus, to the Queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta, as it unfolds around them, fairies and all.

lA Midsummer Night’s Dream runs until the end of August. Tickets on 01865 766266 or www.creationtheatre.co.uk 4 It wouldn’t be the same without Romeo and Juliet in Oxford’s open-air line-up. And where better than within the walls of Oxford Castle, where Tomahawk Theatre has returned.

This most famous of all Shakespeare’s plays will include song and dance, while remaining faithful to the original script and its tragic story of love, separation and divided loyalties.

lRomeo and Juliet runs until Saturday, July 14. Call the box office on 0845 0706255 or www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk 5 Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, is returning to the atmospheric Cogges Manor Farm at Witney next Friday, where the farmstead will provide the backdrop for the show – the alfresco performance taking place outside the Manor House for one night only.

The Bard’s great comedy of love, laughter and gender confusion will be a colourful and lively take on this classic comedy, where a girl disguises herself as a man to be near the count she adores, only to be pursued herself by the woman the count loves.

lThe audience is invited to bring picnics, rugs and low-backed chairs, and tickets for the 7pm show are available on 01993 772602 or by emailing ops@cogges.org.uk. More information at www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk 6 And finally, not to be outdone, the Oxford Theatre Guild returns to the lovely setting of Trinity College Gardens for one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, Much Ado About Nothing – a tale of romance, deceit, disguise, intrigue, revenge and razor-sharp wit.

And as the audience is advised to bring their own blankets and cushions (although blankets are also available to hire) it looks set to be a highly relaxing and enjoyable evening.

lMuch Ado About Nothing is at Trinity College Gardens from Tuesday until Saturday, July 21. Book online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com/ticketsoxford, or call 01865 305305