THIS summer sees The Castle Players make a bold return to its summer tradition of outdoor performances with a spectacular production of Shakespeare in Love – the play.
Touring to five venues on five consecutive nights it opens on Whorlton Village Green on Tuesday, July 1, at 7pm before visiting All Saints & Salutation Church, Darlington, on July 2, Mickleton Village Green on July 3, TCR The Hub, Barnard Castle, on July 4, and finally, on Saturday, July 5, the stunning walled gardens of Raby Castle.
Directed by Gordon Duffy-McGhie, the play is based on the Oscar-winning film, Shakespeare in Love, and follows young Will Shakespeare as a penniless playwright struggling with writer’s block.
Everything changes when Will meets the daring Viola de Lesseps, a noblewoman with a passion for acting at a time when women were banned from the stage. Disguised as a man, Viola auditions for Will’s play.
A whirlwind romance follows along with sword fights, mistaken identities and a barrel of laughs.
Rehearsals are under way with a cast of 37. For the set, a design competition with degree students from Northern School of Art, in Hartlepool, has produced many innovative ideas and visuals. The winner will be announced at Northern Stage, Newcastle, on May 8.
Tickets for Shakespeare in Love go on sale on May 7. Visit castleplayers.co.uk to book and for further information. There are 30 ‘groundling mat spaces’ at £5 and bring-your-own-seat tickets are from £15.
Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to help prepare, paint, and repair stage sets. No special skills required – just a willingness to muck in and help bring the show to life. Every Saturday in May 10am to 12.30 and 1pm to 4pm. Turn up on the day or email [email protected].
