Classic Shakespeare to go al fresco in Arundel

By popular acclaim, GB Theatre Company will return to Arundel Castle in West Sussex this summer for a duo of al fresco Shakespeare performances as part of the Arundel Festival on 28-29 August 2015.
Open air Shakespeare performances at Arundel Castle SUS-150622-124116001Open air Shakespeare performances at Arundel Castle SUS-150622-124116001
Open air Shakespeare performances at Arundel Castle SUS-150622-124116001

The Collector Earl’s Garden is the perfect setting for Shakespeare’s classic plays, with this year’s schedule including Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night. Visitors can step back in time and watch the action play out with the historic Arundel Cathedral as a backdrop.

Widely considered amongst Shakespeare’s best comedies Much Ado About Nothing and the equally amusing Twelfth Night will be showcased in the open air by a troupe of talented actors.

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Taking centre stage as Viola in Twelfth Night on Saturday 29 August and as Ursula and Conrade in Much Ado About Nothing on Friday 28 August will be Jennifer Higham.

Jennifer has a number of theatre, film and television credits to her name and has also been heard in radio performances of Doctor Who.

Leading man for Much Ado About Nothing will be Vincenzo Pellegrino. Vincenzo will perform as Benedick, the wilful lord recently returned from fighting in the wars, who vows that he will never marry.

He regularly graces our screens in familiar roles in Holby City and Doctors.

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Barrie Palmer remains the Artistic Director of GB Theatre Company as well as a notable performer.

Barrie has toured and performed in a wide selection of Shakespearian plays; this year he will take on characters Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing and Sir Toby in 
Twelfth Night.

Barrie says: “We’re delighted to be welcomed back to Arundel Castle for another year. The cast and I always look forward to performing at such an iconic location on the suitably named ‘Oberon’s Palace’ stage, a subtle nod towards Oberon from Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Bryan McDonald, Castle Manager comments: “We thoroughly enjoy having Shakespeare’s works performed in The Collector Earl’s Garden every year. Our gardens are the perfect setting for legendary plays and with such an excellent cast this year, we’re excited to host another round of successful theatrical evenings.”

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Tickets for the performances are priced from £16 for children and £26 for adults. Ticket holders are invited to arrive early and enjoy their picnics in the Castle grounds before the performances commence in The Collector Earl’s Garden.

Tickets and Times

Friday, August 28– Much Ado About Nothing

Saturday, August 29– Twelfth Night

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 2015 event calendar can be found at www.arundelcastle.org

Report and picture contributed by Jessica Beales.

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