Arundel Castle’s stage set for Shakespeare

One of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, The Comedy of Errors, and the twisting tragedy Macbeth will be performed in the stunning Collector Earl’s Garden by a troupe of experienced and talented actors.

Leading lady Joyce Branagh will appear as Lady Macbeth on Friday, August 22, and as Abbess and Dr Pinch in The Comedy of Errors on Thursday, August 21, and Saturday, August 23.

Joyce hails from Reading and has many theatre, film and television credits to her name, as well as being an experienced theatre director, having just directed Much Ado About Nothing for Vienna’s English Theatre.

Joining Joyce, Aonghus Weber will perform as Macbeth and the Duke of Ephesus in The Comedy of Errors. Aonghus was born in Dublin and trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, renowned for its focus on Shakespearean acting. Famous alumni of the School include Daniel Day-Lewis, Jeremy Irons and Patrick Stewart.

Returning to the Castle stage, Jonathan Mulquin will play Banquo in Macbeth and Antipholus of Ephesus in The Comedy of Errors. Jonathan also trained at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and appeared in both of last year’s performances.

Leading the troupe is Barrie Palmer, artistic director of GB Theatre Company. Not one to shy away from the stage, Barrie will once again perform, this time as Duncan and Doctor in Macbeth and Egeon in The Comedy of Errors.

Barrie said: “We are thrilled and honoured to be returning to Arundel Castle for a double celebration this year; 2014 marks the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth and our fifth year as a touring theatre company.

“We have brought together a superb cast for what promises to be three highly entertaining evenings against the beautiful backdrop of Arundel Cathedral on the aptly named ‘Oberon’s Palace’ stage.”

Castle Manager Bryan McDonald said: “We are looking forward to another spectacular season of Shakespeare in August; I’m particularly thrilled to note the level of talent gracing our stage this year. Pre-ticket sales have been particularly popular, I urge anyone thinking of joining us to book soon to avoid disappointment.”

Tickets for the performances are priced from £16 for children and £26 for adults.

Ticket holders are invited to arrive early and enjoy a picnic in the Castle grounds before the performances commence in The Collector Earl’s Garden.

Tickets and Times

August 21 – The Comedy of Errors

August 22 – Macbeth

August 23 – The Comedy of Errors

5.30pm Castle grounds open

6.30pm The Collector Earl’s Garden gates open

7.30pm Performances start

Running time: 2 hours with 30 min interval. Tickets in advance: Adults £26, children (5-15) £16. Tickets on the night (subject to availability): Adults £28 Children (5-15) £18.

Book online at www.gbtheatrecompany.com/arundelcastle.html .

Further information on Arundel Castle and its 2014 event calendar can be found at www.arundelcastle.org.