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.