IT’S ALL about the Bard, with the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare this weekend.
So, what better time for the fourth Petersfield Shakespeare Festival to launch, with exciting news of this summer’s outdoor event in the beautiful grounds of Bedales.
Taking place between July 13 and 24, this will give a nod to the playwright’s entire canon by bringing to the stage a tragedy, a comedy and a history.
The centrepiece is a production of Shakespeare’s final and most magical play, The Tempest, directed by Jake Smith.
The audience will experience a spectacular storm scene, a masque of goddesses, spirits in the form of a pack of hounds and a half-domesticated monster. Two acclaimed touring companies will be welcomed to the festival – Illyria to perform a family-friendly and upbeat version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the Festival Players with their all-male Hamlet.
In an innovative double bill, Mark Carey will perform a heart-warming drama of love, war and one man’s battle with Shakespeare as he goes Into the Breach. This play will be followed by an open air screening of the classic film Henry V.
For dates and times of performances, and to book, visit www.petersfieldshakespearefestival. co.uk