Much as usual, the dinner of the first evening of the GCA’s annual conference programme includes an invitation to turn up in fancy dress (optional). And also much as usual, most members and associates go for it big time, although some always go bigger than others, clearly as a matter of honour.

This year, in Stratford-upon-Avon, the theme was Shakespeare (it had to be didn’t it?), inspiring the appearance of a whole company of travelling players…Lears and Macbeths, Pucks and Bottoms, Richards and Henrys, Hamlets and Merchants, Ophelias and Juliets plus general heroes, villains and dreamers. A few touches of artistic licence here and there but hey, this wasn’t meant to be theatrical history lesson.

They even have a competition (brilliantly won by David and Madeline Eaton of The Solar Centre in the form of Titania and Oberon, with Matthew Bent as ‘Shakespeare’s Sister’ not far behind on the clapometer vote).

If you weren’t there, our Picture Gallery below will give you a hint of what the evening was about. If you were, take a bow!