Two historic visitor attractions are to stage one of William Shakespeare’s best-known works this month, as the playwright’s As You Like It is brought to life in a series of open-air performances.
Duff House, in Banff and Bothwell Castle, just outside Glasgow, will provide the backdrop for this re-interpretation of Shakespeare’s tale of banishment, mistaken identity and love. This classic comedy will also introduce audiences to the origin of number of his most iconic and often quoted speeches, such as “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”.
Taking place on the evenings of Wednesday 13th July at Duff House and Saturday 16th July at Bothwell Castle these performances help mark 400 years on since Shakespeare’s death.
Thought to have been penned in 1599, As You Like It was first printed in the collection of his works, known as the ‘First Folio’, around 1623. Now in this contemporary re-telling, by Folksy Theatre, the audience will follow the characters of Rosalind and Orlando on their journey into the Forest of Arden. The play will feature opportunities for audience interaction and explores the traditional gender roles and rules of romance and love.
Commenting on the upcoming performances, Kit Reid, Senior Interpretation Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “These performances will see one of Shakespeare’s best-known dramatic works re-interpreted and brought to life at Duff House and Bothwell Castle, across two evenings of outdoor entertainment.
“The audience will be able to follow the plot as it charts life, love, betrayal and death. Complete with iconic characters such as Rosalind and filled with some of Shakespeare’s well-known quotes and phrases, it’s the perfect introduction to his work. It’s also fitting that we are to welcome these performances during the year that marks 400 years on since his death.”
Tom Hardwicke, Director of Folksy Theatre, added: “Our production is set in a timeless bohemian forest of Arden. It is filled with fun and live music and we think it is the perfect tribute to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.”
As You Like It takes place on Wednesday 13th July at Duff House and Saturday 16th July at Bothwell Castle.
Performances at Duff House and Bothwell Castle run from 6.15-9pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance at £13.50 for adults, £10 for concessions and £8 for children (aged 5-15 years old). Family tickets, admitting two adults and two children, are available and are priced at £38. On the door prices will be £16 for adults, £12 for concessions and £10 for children (aged5-15 years old) with no family ticket available.
A 10% discount is available for members. Tickets purchased online are subject to a small additional booking fee.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- As of the 1st October 2015, Historic Scotland and RCAHMS came together to form a new lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment. The new body Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will lead on delivering Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment, Our Place in Time.
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Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016
2016 is the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design (IAD). Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland's position as an "innovation nation", its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed creative industries sector. This is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland and supported by a variety of partners.
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For further information
Grant Thomson
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
Direct Line: 0131 668 8603
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communications@hes.scot