Arthur explores Hylton Castle
SPAMALOT STAR SEARCHES SUNDERLAND’S HISTORIC LANDMARK FOR THE ELUSIVE HOLY GRAIL
A new production of Spamalot arrived at the Sunderland Empire this week and King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail led him directly to Hylton Castle.
The Tony Award-winning musical, written by Eric Idle, follows the travels of King Arthur (Bob Harms) and his Knights of the Round Table as they attempt to locate the elusive Holy Grail with hilarious results.
Hylton Castle is currently undergoing a period of restoration that will create a new education centre and visitor attraction to the site.
The project is a partnership between Sunderland City Council and local voluntary group the Friends of Hylton Castle and Dene.
Local ward councillor and one of the founding members of the Friends group, Coun Denny Wilson said: “Hylton Castle is one of our best known local landmarks, with many a tale of its own to tell over the centuries as the centre of community life for many generations.
“The castle plays a starring role in Sunderland’s cultural heritage, and I’m delighted it’s been used to help promote our cultural future and the latest West End musical production at Sunderland’s Empire Theatre.”
Funding of £2.9million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) supported by an additional £1.5million from Sunderland City Council will return the castle to the centre of community life.
The new tour of Spamalot is produced by Selladoor Productions and Mercury Theatre Colchester.
The show runs until Saturday.
Tickets are available from the Sunderland Empire Box Office on High Street West, via the ticket centre 0844 871 3022 or www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland