Summer of Shakespeare Preview
Various Locations in Durham
Something wicked and wonderful this year comes to Durham as Elysium Theatre Company in conjunction with Durham and University and Durham Fringe Festival presents a summer programme of events to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the publication of the first folio of the complete works of Stratford’s famous bard.
Headlining the events will be a full-scale production of two of Shakespeare’s most celebrated and loved plays – The Tragedy of Macbeth and the magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a stunning cast of thirteen actors playing across the two productions.
Director of Macbeth, Jake Murray enthuses about this new production saying that he is excited to reimagine the Bard’s work setting this new production with an Eastern Front styling and promising a new experience for fans seasoned with Shakespeare’s work and those who are new to it. Jake is also excited to be working again with costume magician, Anna Hayward. He tells me that she works tirelessly to produce the costumes for both productions which adds a whole new dimension to the storytelling.
Alongside Macbeth will be arguably the most accessible of Shakespeare’s plays A Midsummer Night’s Dream where the worlds of humans and mystical beings collide in a story of love, jealousy and being careful not to make an ass of oneself. Jake has handed over the directing reins to the very talented Dan Johnstone who takes the helm in bringing this wonderful tale to life. I am certainly excited to see both productions and I will be fascinating to compare and contrast the two very different stories.
In addition to the two huge productions will be a series of ‘In Discussion with…’ video logs where f famous names in the world of acting such as Derek jacobi and Robert Lindsay will be discussion their own personal experiences with Shakespeare and some very interesting anecdotes from the productions that they have been involved with.
Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be playing atvarious venues across the city of Durham and surrounding areas and will headline at the third annual Durham Fringe Festival which runs from July 26th to 30th 2023 and offers a whole range of spoken word, magic, comedy, and musical acts. Organiser Stephen Cronin has overseen the event which is growing year on year. Elysium Theatre Company are excited and proud to being a big part of the event this year. There will be something for absolutely everyone at Durham Fridge Festival this year.
Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream are by far and away my favourites from Shakespeare’s vast catalogue of works so I, for one, will be immensely looking forward to a Summer of Shakespeare.
MACBETH:
Shakespeare’s epic drama of the power of evil. Great warrior Macbeth is given a prophecy that he will be king, and together with his wife will stop at nothing to seize the crown.
Murder, mayhem, and witchcraft combine in a dynamic new production of Shakespeare’s most terrifying play.
8 July 7.30pm – Ushaw House, Durham County Book Here
12 July 7.30pm – Assembly Rooms, Durham City Book Here
13 July 7.30pm – Assembly Rooms Theatre, Durham City Book Here
14 July 2.30 & 7.30pm – Assembly Rooms Theatre, Durham City Book Here
15 July 2.30 & 7.30pm – Assembly Rooms Theatre, Durham City Book Here
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Four young lovers escape into a deep forest, only to find themselves lost in a world of magic and mystery as they encounter the Faerie world in all its splendour.
A vivid new production of Shakespeare’s most popular comedy, full of his most memorable characters – Puck, Bottom, Oberon and Titania.
19 July 7.30pm – Assembly Rooms Theatre, Durham City Book Here
20 July 7.30pm – Assembly Rooms Theatre, Durham City Book Here
21 July 2.30 & 7.30pm – Assembly Rooms Theatre, Durham City Book Here
22 July 2.30 & 7.30pm – Assembly Rooms Theatre, Durham City Book Here
25 July 7.30pm– Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Durham County Book Here
MACBETH & A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM IN REPERTORY
26 July 6pm – Macbeth – Palace Green, Durham Fringe Festival, Durham City Book Here
27 July 6pm – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Palace Green, Durham Fringe Festival, Durham City Book Here
28 July 8.30pm – Macbeth – Palace Green, Durham Fringe Festival, Durham City Book Here
29 July 1.30pm – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Palace Green, Durham Fringe Festival, Durham City Book Here
29 July 8.30pm – Macbeth – Palace Green, Durham Fringe Festival, Durham City Book Here
30 July 6.30pm – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Palace Green, Durham Fringe Festival, Durham City Book Here