Extra dates added as open-air theatre returns to Shrewsbury Castle
Further dates have been announced for open-air theatre when it returns to Shrewsbury Castle this summer.
Theatre Severn has confirmed the full programme for this year's performances which will again take place in the grounds of the castle.
The area is currently being used by Dough and Oil each weekend for its outdoor pizza and beer offerings under Oil to the Fort, but the grounds will be turned into theatre sets from July.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men kick-start the programme on July 16 with Shakespeare tragedy Macbeth, just as Shakespeare himself first saw it performed - in the open air, by an all-male cast with Elizabethan costumes.
The extra data has been added after the initial August 3 performance sold out within hours.
On July 24, the Pantaloons Theatre Company return with Jane Austen’s witty and romantic masterpiece, Pride and Prejudice. The Pantaloons performed Sherlock Holmes and Twelfth Night last year.
For family audiences, Immersion Theatre will perform a swashbuckling, action-packed adaptation of The Three Musketeers on Sunday August 1. The production follows the young D’Artagnan as he travels to Paris to join the legendary Musketeers, and is brimming with excitement, danger, comedy, and lots of audience interaction, say producers.
Craig Reeves, Theatre Severn’s marketing and communications manager, said: “Following the huge success of outdoor theatre and comedy last summer, we’re really excited to bring audiences another fantastic season of open-air events to Shrewsbury Castle.
"We are expecting huge demand for tickets so early booking is essential. We will also be announcing more live theatre and comedy events soon.”
Mark Barrow, Shropshire Council’s executive director of place, said: “As we restart culture and tourism across Shropshire this summer, it is wonderful to see the beautiful surroundings of Shrewsbury Castle providing the backdrop to a season of open-air theatre.
"This is a great opportunity for us all to enjoy more time outdoors, and get back to watching live events safely.”
Tickets for open-air theatre events at Shrewsbury Castle are on sale now and can be booked online at theatresevern.co.uk or by ringing the box office on 01743281281.
