Friday 26 June 2015

Meet the Much Ado About Nothing Cast: Jake Ferretti

Jake as Don Pedro
We had a fantastic opening night of Much Ado About Nothing last night and grabbed a quick chat with Jake Ferretti, who plays Don Pedro in the show. 


SGT: Stafford Festival Shakespeare is one of the largest open air Shakespeare events in Europe, what are you enjoying so far?

JF: Working in the outdoors and working on Shakespeare for the summer.

SGT:What made you want to be involved?

JF: I know Stafford Castle has a strong reputation for quality and I have heard lots of lovely things about it all. I have wanted to work with Peter (Rowe, Director) for a while too.

SGT: The event takes place in a very unique setting, have you performed in the grounds of a castle or any other unusual setting before?
JF: I worked in Verona, Italy, doing Romeo and Juliet and performed scenes throughout the city.

Jake with Catherine Lamb, who plays Hero




SGT: Could you tell us who your character Don Pedro?

JF: He is controlling, strong but very loving and loyal.

SGT: What do you think he brings to the play?

JF: A gravitas and strength to the play.

SGT:  What do you think the audience will enjoy most about this year’s production and setting?

JF: Dan De Cruz’s spats!


 
You can see Jake in Much Ado About Nothing at Stafford Castle until Saturday 11th July.
 
Book your tickets here 









 
 

 

 
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Wednesday 24 June 2015

Stafford Festival Shakespeare: What to expect

Whether you have been to all 24 shows we have produced or if it's your first time visiting our production at Stafford Castle it is useful to know what to expect ahead of your visit.

The Production

This year we are staging Much Ado About Nothing. It is one of the Bard's most popular comedies thanks to the feisty relationship between Benedick and Beatrice.  

Our show is set in Stafford, at the close of World War 1. We will open with pre-show music, starting from about 7.40pm on evening shows and 1.40pm on matinees. Imagine traditional soldier's songs, with an opportunity to join in too! It will set a fantastic celebratory opening to the story.

Bit nervous about understanding Shakespeare? Or traumatised by studying it at school? Don't fear. Our productions our accessible, lively and great fun. It's amazing how much easier it is to understand Shakespearean language when it is brought to life in front of you.

You can read a synopsis about Much Ado About Nothing here

The Castle grounds

Stafford Castle makes for a truly magical backdrop for Shakespeare's productions. There is free parking at the bottom of the castle grounds, with signs and stewards to guide you. For those needing assistance reaching the top of the hill to the performance area there is a free shuttlebus service.

All seating is undercover, but we do recommend bringing warm layers or a blanket as it can get chilly during evening performances when the sun goes down, even on a hot day.

There are full facilities on site including portaloos and wheelchair access to the seating areas.

Food and Drink

You are very welcome to bring your own picnic and there are litter bins across the site, please help us look after the castle grounds.

This year Sugnall Walled Garden are offering some fantastic pre-dining options.

To save carrying anything up the hill you can pre-order a picnic bag for two with delicious treats from the gardens and tearoom at Sugnall. They have everything you need, even a blanket and cutlery so you don't need to carry a thing! You even get to keep your picnic bag.

If you want something special, on Friday and Saturday evenings we are offering VIP three course marquee dining with interval drinks back at your table.

For those who just want to grab a quick snack, Amber's Wood Fired Oven will be offering delicious fresh pizza slices. This will all be complimented by Old School Wine's fully licensed bar.

You can find out more about all of the above here.

Merchandise

As well as the souvenir programmes we are selling some very special limited edition tote bags this year.

Programmes are just £3 and the tote bags are only £10 and include a free programme.

The bags are hand printed and you can choose from a black or purple logo. There are just 25 available and they will be sold strictly on a first come first served basis.

You can purchase both at the box office tent at the castle, in town at the Gatehouse Theatre Box Office, or ask one of our friendly front of house team.




Tickets

Tickets are available from just £12. There are matinee performances on Saturday 4th and Saturday 11th July, plus school matinees (which are also open to the public) on Monday 29th June and Tuesday 7th July. We also offer discounts for groups. We do recommend booking in early to avoid any disappointment. You can book your tickets online here.

If you have any further questions you can visit the Stafford Festival Shakespeare website, email us at gatehouse@staffordbc.gov.uk or give our friendly team a call on 01785 619080.

Much Ado About Nothing opens on Thurday 25th June and runs until Saturday 11th July.
 
Stafford Festival Shakespeare is a truly unique and inspiring way to enjoy Shakespeare's work, so we hope to see you soon.


Tuesday 23 June 2015

Meet the Much Ado About Nothing Cast: Dan de Cruz

It's the opening week of Stafford Festival Shakespeare and we grabbed Dan de Cruz for a quick chat. Dan last performed with us in Romeo and Juliet in 2012 as Tybalt. You may have already read some of his very entertaining blog posts! He will perform Borachio in Much Ado About Nothing.


SGT: Hi Dan, what are you looking forward to this year?

DC: The sun! And being able to be part of the 25th anniversary celebrations.

SGT: What made you want to be involved?

DC: I had so much fun, despite the rain last time and any chance to ‘do some Shakespeare’ is always a draw.

 
SGT: what made you want to perform with SFS again?

DC: Stafford is an awesome place to spend some time and getting to work with a fab creative team and crew makes it easy.

SGT: Could you tell us a little bit about your character?

DC: Barachio is Don John’s flunkie and comes up with a devious plan to defame Hero and ruin her wedding to Claudio.

SGT: What do you think your character brings to the play?

DC: Whilst not a major character, Barachio is the agent of change through his plan (and execution of it) and his subsequent confession.

SGT: What do you love most about Much Ado About Nothing as a play?

DC: The brilliant dialogue between Beatrice and Benedick is some of the wittiest of all the works and always makes me laugh.

SGT: What do you think the audience will enjoy most about this year’s production and setting?

DC: I think the mix between excellent writing and live music set to the background of the end of WW1 will really evoke a sense of pride and celebration.

Friday 19 June 2015

Meet the Much Ado About Nothing Cast: Catherine Lamb and Tom Palmer

Catherine Lamb
We're heading into the final week of rehearsals for Much Ado About Nothing, so we had a quick chat with Catherine and Tom, who play Hero and Claudio in the Stafford Festival Shakespeare production.

SGT: What made you want to be involved with the show?

CL: Hero is a great part and I have heard great things about the festival. It’s going to be a lot of fun and it’s one of my favourite Shakespeare plays.

TP: The opportunity to perform in my first professional Shakespeare and especially the outdoor element. It seemed like a fun team of cast and creatives and an exciting setting in which to perform.


SGT: The event takes place in a very unique setting, have you performed in the grounds of a castle or any other unusual setting before?

TP: No, though I have done Romeo and Juliet in a series of churches across London.

SGT: Could you tell us a little bit about your characters?

CL: Hero very quickly falls madly in love with Claudio. She’s very naive and innocent. She’s a kind young girl who really looks up to her cousin Beatrice.

TP: Claudio is a noble, honourable young man who is evidently an adept soldier. He is madly in love with Hero though this love drives him to make rash decisions.

Tom Palmer

SGT: What do you think your character brings to the play?

CL: I think Hero brings the heartache into show. The audience will empathise with her when she is falsely accused of sleeping with Borachio.

TP: Claudio shows how much love can change a man, and is perhaps the very reason Benedick has vowed to love no woman.

SGT: What do you love most about Much Ado About Nothing as a play?

CL: I think it’s extremely funny and I love the show and varied female characters in the play.

TP: Benedick and Beatrice are a unique set of lovers that really subvert a traditional courtly romantic storyline.



SGT: What do you think the audience will enjoy most about this year’s production and setting?


CL: The post war setting will bring a great atmosphere to the piece as will the music of all period!

TP: The setting is particularly timely and the period seems to work well within or surroundings.


You can book tickets to see Catherine and Tom in Much Ado About Nothing by clicking here.

The show opens on Thursday 25th June and runs until Saturday 11th July at Stafford Castle.

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Behind The Scenes With Dan: Week 2

Dan de Cruz, who is playing Borachio in Much Ado About Nothing has given us a sneaky peek at the second week of rehearsals:

Week Two: On Motorways and “Movement” calls

This week started off with me broken down on the M1. Glamorous.  Fortunately I had as my travelling companion the wonderful James Haggie who made the whole process an almost enjoyable experience. We used the time waiting for the RAC to run through some lines, practicing projecting over the roar of passing engines. Obviously we didn’t look strange at all.

6 hours after leaving home we arrived back in Stafford and to a hive of industry. This week we have been solidifying the music for the pre-show. For those of you coming (and if you’re not, why not? Book now!) this means if you turn up half an hour before the show you’ll be entertained with lots of awesome songs and fun. This year we’re setting the show post WW1 so there’s lots of fantastic music hall numbers to entertain. With a group of actor/musicians on the cast it means everyone’s busy learning instrumental lines alongside verbal lines, and the hallways were ablaze with a cacophony of flutes, clarinets, banjos, accordions and various other noise-making implements.
Genevieve, Kate and James in music rehearsals

Our musical director, Greg, has been crafting some beautiful arrangements of well-known, not so well-known, and original songs which we massacre for a while before falling into shape. It really is a pleasure to be part of this rehearsal process, watching so many talented people become a well-oiled unit so quickly to create a unified sound that will enhance the onstage action.

This onstage action is being equally well crafted by the guiding hands of our Director Peter Rowe. Using his Jedi mind tricks; where he makes us believe all the things we’re doing onstage were our ideas, and not suggestions he subtly planted in there earlier, he puts all the pieces in place. Shakespeare’s language is not always the easiest to come to terms with, but with Peter at the helm we have been finding the whole process painless and a lot of fun.

Along with the acting and music, this week brought Verity, our choreographer, into the fray.  Everyone was very eager for our dance call and there wasn’t a trace of apprehension in the cast about having to learn some moves (warning:sarcasm).

In our profession we tend to classify ourselves into dancers and “movers”.  Dancers are able to split leap across the stage, pirouette multiple times, throw themselves about and all in time to music. “Movers” can do all that minus the leaping, spinning and throwing. And sometimes they fall over. With the exception of Jake, we all declaimed ourselves “movers”.  Unfortunately I have to play the piano for both dances so couldn’t embarrass the others with my funky shapes, but they all took to it like ducks to water. One afternoon later and they could all upgrade themselves a category and we have a lovely ballroom scene.
Our delicious meal at Simply Bilash

It wouldn’t be a weekly blog without a restaurant update. This week we went for a cast curry (a very important tradition in this profession) to Simply Bilash. The excitement levels were up and spirits were high as we walked to the restaurant, especially as Phyl was going to try the famed Chocolate and Caramel Korma. Suffice to say, we all had a delicious meal and were very well looked after. We shall definitely be planning a return!







As for me personally, I am really enjoying being part of this amazing team of people.  Everyone here is genuinely lovely and I know that the show we’re creating is one I’m going to be proud of.

…What are you waiting for?  Book tickets!

Monday 15 June 2015

Meet the Much Ado About Nothing Cast: Charlie Tighe

The rehearsals for another awesome performance at Stafford Castle are going great! This week we kick off with an interview with Charlie Tighe and you can check out what he has to say below:

SGT: Stafford Festival Shakespeare is one of the largest open air Shakespeare events in Europe, what are you looking forward to this year?
Charlie Tighe
CT: I am looking forward to performing in such a picturesque setting. Performing out-doors always adds an extra element of theatricality to the production. If the weather is inclement then there is something very 'British' about soldiering on - also apt for the production!
SGT: What made you want to be involved?
CT: Having worked on Guys and Dolls with Peter (Rowe, Directer) and Greg (Palmer, Musical Director) before I was keen to work with them again, and so much the better it is a play this time, making a difference from a musical.
SGT: The event takes place in a very unique setting, have you performed in the grounds of a castle or any other unusual setting before?
CT: I have performed all over the world, memorably in mountains outside of Tokyo and against a storm breaking over the channel in an outdoor theatre in Kent.
SGT: Could you tell us who you’re playing and a little bit about that character?
 CT: I play Conrade - he's a baddie, with a bond of friendship with Don John.
SGT: What do you think your character brings to the play?
CT: A chance for some mischief with my partner in crime Borachio. Although at the end he seems sorry for his crime – so there is salvation for anyone!
SGT: What do you think the audience will enjoy most about this year’s production and setting?
CT: With the set and the music especially, but also the costumes, it is a nice mark back to WW1 And the returning soldiers, which is significant in this centenary year.
 
You can book tickets to see Charlie perform in Much Ado About Nothing here.
The show opens on Thursday 25th June and runs until Saturday 11th July at Stafford Castle.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 

Friday 12 June 2015

Meet The Much Ado About Nothing Cast: Jon Trenchard



Today's interview is with the baddie of our play. We spoke to Jon Trenchard and you can check out what he has to say below:


SGT: Stafford Festival Shakespeare is one of the largest open air Shakespeare events in Europe, what are you looking forward to this year?

JT: Beautiful weather!
Jon Trenchard

SGT: What made you want to be involved?

JT: My career to date has been playing young cheeky chappy or nervous roles (like Slender in Merry Wives here at SFS in 2010), so this is a rare new and exciting challenge to play a villain! I reckon I'm quite friendly in real life so it'll be fun to let my dark side out...



SGT: What made you want to perform with SFS again?

JT: Merry Wives was so much fun, Pete and Greg find lovely people to work with and create a great rehearsal atmosphere, and the castle at Stafford is a picturesque location. Good company, good fun and a stunning setting. Anyone would want to come back!


SGT: The event takes place in a very unique setting, have you performed in the grounds of a castle or any other unusual setting before?

JT: With all-male Shakespeare company propeller I've performed all over the world - a Roman Amphitheatre in Verona, a reconstructed Globe Theatre in Germany, and inside Elsinore Castle in Demark, but its good to be closer to home.

SGT: Could you tell us who you’re playing and a little bit about that character?

JT: I'm playing a bastard: Don John! He is the illegitimate brother of Don Pedro who has the highest status in the play. He has offended his brother but they reconciled – tentatively. Because of his illegitimacy and this offence, he is a social outcast, and depressed about being rejected by most people. So he wants to play tricks on people for revenge.



SGT: What do you think your character brings to the play?

 JT: Don John's malevolence drives the main troubles and drama of the play. But he is quite a passive villain: he cowardly runs away before seeing the effects of his plotting. He also provides contrast with the loquacity of Beatrice and Benedick as he is “not of many words”. In our 1919 setting, he might have been discharged from the army for cowardice muting or insubordination.



SGT: What do you love most about Much Ado About Nothing as a play?

JT: The witty banter of Beatrice and Benedick. Shakespeare's use of language is so intricate and fun, It's such a shame we aren't as witty as him anymore!

SGT: What do you think the audience will enjoy most about this year’s production and setting?

JT: The castle setting is always lovely but this year's set design in 1919- will be particularly superb. We also have great Edwardian and 20s dresses for the girls and period uniforms for the guys, I think it's going to look stunning! We'll also have lots of war-time songs too.





Thursday 11 June 2015

Comedy In The MET Suggested Line Up: 13.6.15

Comedy in the MET is back this Saturday and here's the suggested line up:


Colin Cole

Colin is literally one of the biggest names in comedy in Australia - not only is he 6' 7", he is also known for his hugely dynamic performance. His delivery is fast and furious, and his material ranges from the topical to the observational.
He has toured extensively in the US, Canada and Hawaii, and now he’s also taking the UK by storm. Colin is a highly skilled and experienced performer, his ability to break barriers with this universally funny material makes him appealing to a wide range of audience. 

Javier Jarquin

Javier was the winner of  The Press Critics Choice Award 'Best National Artist' at World Buskers Festival 2012 and winner of 'Best Show Wellington' at The New Zealand International Comedy Festival 2010.

After appearing on television and playing and headlining some of the biggest clubs in Australia and New Zealand Javier Jarquin moved to the UK in 2010 where he has established himself as a circuit regular and headline act around the country and in mainland Europe. He has performed on the same bill with top names such as Jimmy Carr, Stewart Lee, Jo Brand and Paul Daniels and also well known for his CARD NINJA act.

Andrew Bird

Andrew has become a top headline act up and down the UK as well as performing around the world from Dublin to Doha. He has also supported Rhod Gilbert and Lee Hurst on tour, and been the warm-up artist for TV shows including Nevermind The Buzzcocks, Room 101 and Pointless. Andrew is also a writer in demand having written for series such as 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Mock The Week.

Andrew’s 2011 and 2012 Edinburgh were sold out and received glowing reviews across the board.

“Funny as hell” Rhod Gilbert


You can get your tickets for MET Comedy here

We recommend an age guidance of 16+ for MET Comedy. The line up is subject to change.
 

Online dating as you like it

Have you heard? It’s officially the year of online dating. With mobile apps such as Tinder and Hitch on the rise, it's clear that today's generation is looking for less conventional methods of meeting someone new. However, once you move past the decision of whether to swipe left or right, things can get slightly tricky. If you need online dating advice, look no further – Shakespeare has you covered.

Whilst most of us study Shakespeare's plays simply to pass our English Literature class, they are full of nuggets of wisdom that can be applied to the modern world. In particular, Shakespeare offers some vital advice on dating - 21st century style. Sure, the majority of relationships featured in Shakespeare's plays don't end well, but aside from that, there are some key online dating tips that we can take from the Bard's work.


1. Communication is key

So, you've been speaking online for a while and still your love interest is showing no signs of making the next move. Whilst you are desperate to meet in person, there is no way you're putting yourself out there like that. The risk of rejection is just too high.
We all know that tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet. Ultimately, a lack of communication between the star-crossed lovers led to their ill-fated end. While a failure to communicate in the world of online dating is unlikely to result in such a dramatic outcome, it could still spoil a good thing. Find the confidence to ask your suitor for a first date, or risk them dropping off the bottom of your 'Snapchat best friends' list.


2. Jealousy gets you nowhere

Social media sites incorporate many features that could trigger the green-eyed monster - the 'like' feature, an innocent 'retweet', the winking emoticon. All of these can become causes of extreme jealous rages. The biggest mistake that Othello makes is allowing jealousy to convince him of his significant other's infidelity. We all know that things don't end well for Desdemona and whilst I'm sure it won't come to that in your online dating quest, it's better to not take any chances.

3. Using good pictures of yourself can get you far

I admit, this one is a slightly pretentious tip, but effective nonetheless. In The Taming of the Shrew, Sly was fooled by a page boy masquerading as his wife, and that was in the flesh. Just imagine how many attractiveness points you can gain by ensuring your pictures capture your good side. After all, the objective is to convince the object of your affections to meet in person. However, bear in mind that if you ever want a sonnet written in your honour, your delightful persona should be the main cause of affection. Maybe one day you will be compared to a summer's day, though hopefully not a British one.

And finally, if you're still struggling to find love online, here's some advice from the man himself: “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” Follow the Bard's wise words and you'll find your perfect match in no time.

If you do make it to that all-important first date, why not take that special someone to the Stafford Festival Shakespeare, held at Stafford Castle between Thursday 25th June and Saturday 11th July.

Wednesday 10 June 2015

Meet the Much Ado About Nothing Cast: David Westbrook

We're now into week two of rehearsals for another great performance at Stafford Castle but our lovely cast found a little bit of time to answer an interview with us. This week we spoke to David Westbrook and you can check out what he has to say below.


SGT: Stafford Festival Shakespeare is one of the largest open air Shakespeare events in Europe, what are you looking forward to this year?
 
DW: Sunny weather! And working with a lovely bunch of people.

SGT: What made you want to be involved?

DW: I've enjoyed both pantomimes (Jack and The Beanstalk and Cinderella) I've done at the Gatehouse and had heard lots of good things about the festival.

SGT: The event takes place in a very unique setting, have you performed in the grounds of a castle or any other unusual setting before?

DW: I can't manage another castle but I do remember The Tempest at Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire (a long time ago!)

 
SGT: Could you tell us who you’re playing and a little bit about that character?

DW: I play two characters in the show. I play Antonio, the older brother of Leonato who is very fond of his niece, Hero. The other character I play is Verges, Dogberry's sidekick or second in command and he's not the sharpest knife in the box.

SGT: What do you think your character brings to the play?
 
DW: Verges bring a bit of weak-headedness. Antonio brings some good old fashioned family loyalty.

SGT: What do you love most about Much Ado About Nothing as a play?

DW: It's ability to be very serious and very silly.

SGT: What do you think the audience will enjoy most about this year’s production and setting?

DW: Hopefully some wonderful music, brilliant acting and a beautiful summer's evening.

 

 

 

 

 


  

Tuesday 9 June 2015

SGYC: Stafford Gatehouse Youth Choir

We are launching a brand new venture for young performers this Autumn and want to hear from you! In September we are launching SGYC: Stafford Gatehouse Youth Choir. There's just a few weeks left to register so don't miss out on your chance to be part of this exciting new group.

This exciting, modern choir will be lead by the hugely talented Musical Director Simon Allen. The sessions will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6pm – 8pm (other evenings and weekends may be asked for) for a term up until December.

If you are aged between 16 and 21 and have a passion for performing and music then we want to hear from you! All you have to do for now to register your interest is simply email ehogan@staffordbc.gov.uk with the following information:

·         Your name

·         Your address and telephone number

·         Any musical background information

·         The last song you purchased

We need all potential members to email us no later than Friday 1st July. After this date we will get in touch with all who have emailed us with further information. It’s that simple!

This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to work with an incredibly talented Musical Director and build up your performance skills. Places will be limited, so make sure you register your interest early to avoid disappointment.

You can print the application form by copying the image below.

We are hoping to have lots of applications for all the young people who want to perform.
 

Monday 8 June 2015

Behind The Scenes With Dan

The lovely Dan de Cruz has written a guest blog for us! Dan will be playing Borachio in "Much Ado About Nothing" and here's how the first week of rehearsals went for him.

Week One

(On Read-Throughs and Restaurants)

The first day of a new job is always one full of eager anticipation and nervous excitement.  Who will I be working with?  What vision does the creative team have for the show?  What should I wear?  How early should I arrive to seem professional but not too keen?  Will I be able to make through one line without falling over my words like a fool?

Fortunately all of that was neatly avoided by a meet up in the pub the night before.  A small drink and some nibbles put us all at ease and we all set about getting to know each other and wash away the day’s travels.  A few hours and many laughs later we all tentatively tracked our way to our new homes for the season.

Having been part of the infamous Raineo & Juliet of 2012, I was looking forward to some summer sun this time around.  Monday was not to be that day. (Neither was Tues).

It was thus that we arrived slightly damp but already acquainted on our first day at the Stafford Gatehouse.  Straight away I was reminded why I love working here: the guys here make you feel like part of the family.  We sat around in a circle (I always secretly hope someone cracks out their best breakdance moves in the middle) and introduced ourselves again.  This ritual has always elicited feelings of fear in many; remembering your own name becomes a feat of superhuman ability, let alone the name of the character you are playing.

Most of the fear comes from wanting to “do well” during the read-through, but I find it the best time to get to know your fellow cast mates.  There’s periods of time when one isn’t reading out loud and you can spend that time trying to catch other people’s eyes and put them off.  I was later informed that this wasn’t really the point of the read through.  I’m pretty sure Beth, our Company Stage Manager, appreciated the various faces I pulled at her, though.

After that we got to see the fantastic design of this year’s show.  However, I’m not allowed to talk too much about it all! (Rest assured, reader, I will attempt to slip as much through the net as I am allowed)

Then we got down to the serious business of rehearsing.  It involved a lot of standing up, sitting down, saying words, singing words and playing instruments.  I’m fairly sure everyone is good at it and next week will be the proof of that.

More importantly, this week we began our mission of attempting to eat at every restaurant in Stafford.  This is where the majority of the real work gets done.  Over a pizza, burger, omelette and a few drinks (that was my meal for the first visit) you get to find out the real people behind the characters.

So here is what I’ve discovered about our cast: Philip is a cryptic crossword master, Sherry is actually from Yorkshire despite not sounding like it (and is tutoring us all), Eddie religiously documents what is on his dictaphone , Cat is wary of morning stretches, Tom has an amazing jawline (warning: mancrush) and work ethic, Charlie can sing RIDICULOUSLY high, Kate enjoys a good pair of shorts, Jon is nothing like the psychotically scary guy he plays, Jake’s real name is not Jake, Genevieve very nearly forgot her mother’s birthday (but redeemed herself with a cast rendition of Happy Birthday), David has serious piano skillz, James has already played three different guitar looking instruments and characters, and that even Phyl’s trousers have extraordinary comic timing.

And as for me, Dan, I have been pressganged by Emma (our Press Officer) into given the privilege of keeping you up to date with what’s going on behind the scenes. So keep an eye out for next week when I shall probably avoid doing just that again.



 

Friday 5 June 2015

Meet the Much Ado About Nothing Cast: Kate Robson-Stuart



Kate Robson-Stuart
Our cast have been very busy this week getting stuck into rehearsals for another fine performance at Stafford Castle, yet they found a little bit of time to answer an interview with us. This week we spoke to Kate Robson Stuart and you can check out what she has to say below:

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre: Stafford Festival Shakespeare is one of the largest open air Shakespeare events in Europe, what are you looking forward to this year?

 Kate Robson-Stuart: Some lovely summer evenings with the sun setting over the castle and no rain!

SGT: What made you want to be involved?

KRS: The chance to perform one of my favourite plays in such a beautiful and unique setting with an interesting historical perspective with some great looking costumes!

SGT: The event takes place in a very unique setting, have you performed in the grounds of a castle or any other unusual setting before?

KRS: I have performed Much Ado in Venice in a small theatre overlooking the lagoon. Beautiful!

SGT Could you tell us who you’re playing and a little bit about that character?

KRS: I play Margaret, one of Hero's gentlewomen. She is of a more working class background and is a somewhat earthier character than the other women in the play. She is sharp and witty and manages to turn most things into a double entendre. She is a fun character with a spark in her eye and a definite naughty streak!

SGT: What do you think your character brings to the play?

KRS: She brings an element of fun and some female coquettishness!


SGT: What do you love most about Much Ado About Nothing as a play?

The characters of Beatrice and Benedick are some of the most loveable and enduring in literature. Both are represented so warmly and wittily, it gives Shakespeare an opportunity to use language to such brilliant battling effect.

SGT: What do you think the audience will enjoy most about this year’s production and setting?

KRS: An evening of distinctive characters and comedy with accompanying music all set against a beautiful backdrop.

You can book your tickets for Much Ado About Nothing by clicking here

Share your Shakespeare selfies to win tickets



 

To celebrate the 25th edition of the Stafford Festival Shakespeare, We are encouraging locals to share their Shakespeare selfies. To mark the anniversary, We will be giving away six pairs of tickets for the best selfie with a Shakespearian vibe. Stafford Festival Shakespeare will run from June 25 to July 11, 2015. This year's performance, Much Ado About Nothing will be staged at the historic Stafford Castle.
 
 
The Shakespeare selfies can show anything from a quiet night in with your favourite Bard play, to a girly evening of food, wine and hours spent swooning over Leonardo DiCaprio in the film Romeo and Juliet. Selfies from previous years at the festival are also welcome, however unusual or comical they may be.
 
 
You can share your Shakespeare selfies on our Twitter page, @Staff_Gatehouse, or our Facebook page using #Shakespeare25. All selfies posted by June 19 stand a chance to win a pair of tickets to one of the UK's leading open air theatrical productions. The winners will be announced on June 22 on the our Twitter page and blog and will be asked to contact us to claim the prize.
 
 
"Almost everyone can relate to Shakespeare's plays in some way, even today, almost four centuries after they’ve been written. This year, we want to bring Shakespeare into the world of social media and digital by encouraging people to share their Shakespearean selfies," explains Emma Hogan, press and marketing officer of Stafford Gatehouse Theatre. "The Bard’s plays are not just meant for in-depth analysis or exams, they can be enjoyed anywhere and by anyone, especially nowadays, when thanks to social media, the whole world truly is a stage.” 
 
 Stafford Festival Shakespeare has proven its popularity over the years with audiences of all ages. Pre-performance dining and picnics can be booked in advance and a selection of real ale, gin, wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be available on the premises."
 
 
Tickets for the festival can be purchased from our box office on 01785 619080 or by clicking here.

 

Tuesday 2 June 2015

Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Live at the Gatehouse this June!

Summer is coming and nothing better than family fun right? We will be presenting to you a great story full of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family. Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom theatre production will arrive for families in Stafford in June for two days of performances.

The Little Kingdom – where everyone is very, very small – is home to Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf. Holly is a young fairy princess who is still learning how to do magic properly and sometimes her spells don’t work out quite right. Ben is an Elf. Elves don’t do magic but they are very good at making things. Ben doesn’t have wings like Holly but he flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird.

Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston clean up his messy cave; they go on a trip to The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum; and still have time to plan a surprise for King Elf’s birthday party, complete with an unplanned jelly flood.

From the creators of the highly successful Peppa Pig, Ben and Holly is this exciting new musical adventure, packed full of games, songs and laughter, this is an enchanting and magical visit to the Little Kingdom, live on stage for the very first time. It is everything a young child would ever want to see on show packed with fun and excitement!

This fantastic spectacle will be here on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June at 1pm and 4pm. You can book your tickets here.

Bring your children and enjoy this great adventure with Ben and Holly and come have fun with us!