Shakespeare in the Open Air

A warm summers evening, a blanket, picnic and good company are the best ingredients to fully experience the magic of Shakespeare.

This summer, in the great outdoors, everywhere from castles to gardens, from courtyards to official theatres, are ringing with the poetry of the world’s greatest playwright.

There are around fifteen official Shakespeare festivals, some established for nearly sixty years, some just starting.

But Shakespeare in the open air is nothing new. In his own lifetime the Bard’s plays were performed in Innyards, town squares and gardens across the country.
In fact British summertime and outdoor performance dates back around a thousand years. When early drama first emerged from its stuffy, church based cocoon it didn’t head to an indoor theatre but instead took to the open air.

So what keeps us heading outside? It could be the freedom, the sociability, the picnics, or perhaps it’s the thrill of being immersed in nature as we’re taken to a world fuelled by imagination.

Whatever the reason, this summer stands in a long line of outdoor Shakespearean theatre and it promises not to disappoint.
 
The Dell
For the past two years the Dell has offered free performances in the gardens next to Shakespeare’s final resting place. Various student and non-professional groups perform here and there is no need to book.
Dates:
25th - 26th July: The Taming of the Shrew
              
       8th - 10th August:  Hamlet
             
           
15th - 16th August:  Romeo and Juliet 
            
             22nd-23rd August: Troilus and Cressida,Romeo & Juliet
              
            
29th-30th August: Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V
More Info:Performances take place in the RSC gardens, beside Holy Trinity Church, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire.  www.rsc.org

Cambridge Festival Shakespeare
Professional actors perform at the Cambridge festival which has been running for 22 years. It was rated fourth in the Independent’s top fifty arts festivals, 2009.
Dates:
13th July – 1st August: The Merchant of Venice
3th July – 1st August: Much Ado About Nothing
13th July – 1st August: Romeo and Juliet
3rd August – 22nd August: The Tempest
3rd August – 22nd August: The Merry Wives of Windsor
3rd August – 29th August: Measure for Measure
            
More info: Tickets cost £14 for adults and £10 concessions.Performances are in Robinson, St’John’s, Downing, Trinity and King’s colleges
www.cambridgeshakespeare.com



The Lord Chamberlain’s Men Summer Tour
The original Lord Chamberlain’s Men was the playing company that Shakespeare himself worked with as an actor and playwright . This modern incarnation  formed in 2004 with the aim of reviving the tradition of Shakespearean theatre – including using an all-male cast. They tour UK historic, open-air venues.
Dates:
until August 26th - Twelfth Night
More info: Performing at 60 venues, check www.tlcm.co.uk for details and book direct with the venue of your choice.

Pendley Shakespeare Festival
This is the 60th Anniversary year of the Shakespeare festival at Pendley Hall which has seen various professional companies perform.
Dates :
4th-8th August – A Midsummer’s Night Dream
11th-15th August – Macbeth
 
Tickets are £16 for uncovered seating (£14.50 concessions) and £20 covered seating (£18 concessions), both Tuesdays to Fridays and £19 for uncovered seating and £23 for covered on Saturdays
More Info:  Performances in Pendley Manor Gardens, Cow Lane, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 5QY
www.pendleyshakespearefestival.co.uk

 
Stamford Shakespeare Festival
The Stamford Shakespeare Company has been established for 41 years and performed at Tolethorpe Hall for 32.
Dates:
20th-25th – July, 10th-15th and 24th-29th August – The Tempest
17th-22nd August – A Midsummers Night Dream
Tickets are £11 Mondays and Tuesdays, £12 Wednesdays and Thursdays, £14 Fridays, £16 Saturdays & Saturday matinees £10 per adult, £6 child
More Info: 
Performances are at Rutland Open Air Theatre, Tolethorpe Hall, Little Casterton, PE9 9BH
 www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk