Shakespeare Festival brings World Class Open Air Theatre to Stafford Castle

Every year since 1991 Stafford Castle is transformed into an outdoor spectacle of Shakespearian delight as its annual Stafford Festival Shakespeare comes to life under the stars in the Castle grounds for the summer.  This year promises to be one of the best yet with the ever popular A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Centred around a wedding celebration, the story follows the adventures of four young lovers and the comical goings of a merry band of travelling actors – but also crosses over into the magical underworld inhabited by controlling fairies.

[blockquote]The play follows the ever confusing relationships of quarrelsome couples Lysander, Hermia, Demetrious and Helena and crosses from reality into fantasy when thy stumble into the world of the Fairy King and Queen.[/blockquote]

But ultimately the evergreen nonsensical comedy is a tale about Love, and how it very rarely is a simple and straightforward thing.

[h3]Electric Atmosphere in a Unique Setting[/h3]

Whether you enjoy Shakespeare or not, the unique setting in the grounds of the Castle adds much to the enjoyment of the spectacle.  With the castle as its striking backdrop and an audience of 1,00 people per night enjoying proceedings under the stars in the all weather covered grandstand seating, the atmosphere is always electric and definitely a highlight of the Staffordshire theatrical calendar.

[blockquote]If ever there was a way to bring the Bard to the masses then this is surely it. Without doubt one of the most prestigious annual cultural events in Staffordshire.[/blockquote]

The production is always more than just a classical rendition of the Shakespearian works and always features original music and a sterling cast of the countries best actors.

This year it features Eric Pots as Bottom, but probably better known to many as Diggory Compton in Coronation Street.

Playing Helena is Georgina White, who made an explosive impact in her recent performance of Blonde Bombshells of 1943 at The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle under Lyme.

The rest of the cast come with a solid background in performing world class theatre, and many have performed at Festival Shakespeare here in Stafford previously.

[h3]Pre-show Dining and Theatre Picnics[/h3]

You can bring your own pre-show picnic or alternatively  really make it into a magical evening out, with full catering service available ranging from full menu three course fine dining in a beautiful marquee, or pre-book scrummy deli picnic baskets to enjoy on the castle lawn.

A fully licensed outdoor theatre bar is also on tap.

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[h3]When is it[/h3]

Thu 27th June 2013 – Sat 13th July 2013

[h3]Where is it[/h3]

Stafford Castle, Newport Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 1DJ

[h3]How to Book[/h3]

Book tickets online here

Box Office Telephone 01785 254 653

Or in person from Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

[h3]Ticket prices[/h3]