Picnics and Shakespearean comedy on offer at Cawdor Castle, writes Susan Welsh
When it comes to choosing a dramatic, romantic setting to stage one of Shakespeare’s best-loved works, the London Contemporary Theatre Company has made a fantastic choice.
For one night only, the company will present Shakespeare’s most-loved comedy – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – in the grounds of Cawdor Castle.
The castle is well known already for its connection to Shakespeare through his tragedy Macbeth, in which the main character is the Thane of Cawdor.
This Sunday, July 6, the atmosphere will be altogether much more lighthearted as the company enacts Shakespeare’s notorious story of the tangled web of love that exists between four lovers on the eve of a royal wedding.
Lysander is in love with Hermia, Hermia is also in love with Lysander, Helena loves Demetrius, but Demetrius loves Hermia.
Due to Egeus’s wish for his daughter Hermia to marry Demetrius, Lysander and Hermia decide to run away into the forest. However, Demetrius and Helena follow.
Meanwhile, a group of Athenians are rehearsing a play in the depths of the wood, where the Fairy King Oberon is angry at his Queen, Titania, and to seek revenge sends his merry servant, Puck, to acquire a magical flower to make her fall in love with the first thing she sees when waking from her sleep.
Chaos erupts as two opposite worlds collide. Mistaken identity and love at first sight proves to be a reality for some but makes an “ass” of others.
Bringing the classic tale to life is a cast which includes Philip Ryder, Jonathan Ashby-Rock, Lucy Peacock, Ewan Reilly and Jenni Stacey.
The play is directed by Lotte Wakeham, associate director of the musical Matilda, and is suitable for those aged eight and over.
Gates to the castle grounds open at 6.30pm, with the performance beginning at 7.30pm.
Visitors, who should dress for all weather conditions, can bring their own low-backed seating or rugs. Picnics are allowed, but no barbecues or naked flames will be permitted.
Tickets are priced at £8 for children and £14.50 for adults.
Contact: 01667 404401 or visit www.cawdorcastle.com