Shakespeare fans can experience three different productions of the Bard’s work live in Ormskirk this month, at The Arts Centre, Edge Hill University.
The drama starts on the evening of Wednesday 18th July with a Live Theatre Screening of Romeo & Juliet from RSC Live.
Set in a world very like our own, this Romeo & Juliet is about a generation of young people born into violence and ripped apart by the bitter divisions of their parents.
The most famous story of love at first sight explodes with intense passion and an irresistible desire for change, but leads all too quickly to heartbreaking consequences.
Saturday 21st July brings both matinee and evening performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream from the Arts Centre’s own Rose Youth Theatre.
Preparations are under way for the high-profile wedding of Theseus, Duke of Athens, and his bride the Warrior Queen Hippolyta, but the wedding planner Sebastian finds that he has more problems with the guests than the happy couple… including a rift in the underworld, in-fighting among the entertainers, and a mischievous sprite to contend with.
The Rose Youth Theatre senior members present a fun-loving, modern English version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Geoff Bamber featuring a few musical twists with some hilarious moments. This new generation performance is based on the classical Shakespearean play with all the much loved characters but with a fresh, contemporary approach.
The afternoon of Sunday 22nd July brings the annual Open Air Theatre performance in Edge Hill’s beautiful Rock Garden from Illyria, this year presenting The Merchant of Venice.
The Merchant of Venice is a funny play that deals with serious issues – in particular the keeping of promises. Wealthy Antonio borrows money from Shylock, and both are so confident about his paying it back that they jokingly adopt a ridiculous agreement: that Antonio will give Shylock a pound of his flesh should he default. Then events conspire against him so that he cannot repay the loan. Meanwhile Bassanio risks everything in the hope of winning the hand of Portia in marriage. Admittedly he succeeds – but when she gives him a ring to keep, and he is compelled to give it away, what future for their domestic bliss?
Shakespeare’s great courtroom drama is by turns gripping, funny, romantic and thought-provoking. International award-winning Illyria promise a production to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Performance details:
Wednesday 18th July, 7.00pm
Live Theatre Screening: RSC Live presents Romeo & Juliet
Cert: As Live 12A
Tickets: £10 / £5 EHU students
Saturday 21st July, 2.30pm & 7.00pm
Rose Youth Theatre presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Geoff Bamber
Tickets: £3 / £10 Family Ticket
This is performance is presented by the Arts Centre’s Rose Youth Theatre senior group aged 12 – 18 years
Suitable for everyone aged 5 years and over
By arrangement with Lazy Bee Scripts
Sunday 22nd July, 3.00pm (gates open 2.00pm)
Open Air Theatre in the Rock Garden: Illyria presents The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
Tickets: £15 / £13 / £5 EHU students
This is an outdoor production. Please dress for the weather both rain or shine, and bring a low-backed chair or rug to sit on
Edge Hill are providing FREE light refreshments, but please bring a picnic too if you wish
The Rock Garden is wheelchair accessible
The Arts Centre
Edge Hill University
St Helens Road
Ormskirk
Lancashire L39 4QP
Box Office: 01695 584480
Website: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/artscentre/