BARD’S RETURN SEES RECORD TICKET SALES
Archers actress in tragedy’s lead role
MORE than 5,000 tickets have been sold for a summer Shakespeare production – almost two months before the two-week run begins.
Organisers say the sales for Romeo and Juliet at Stafford Castle is a record number for this stage of the calendar – and it means almost half the 11,000 capacity has been snapped up for the 30th anniversary production.
Several shows have sold out already and there are waiting lists for afternoon performances, with many schools keen to attend as the classic love story is on the GCSE syllabus.
The production will star Madeleine Leslay (from Radio 4’s The Archers) as Juliet and
Tom Lane as Romeo, backed by a strong supporting cast led by Gill Jordan (best known for her comic creation Doreen Tipton) as the nurse.
Work has begun on building the set and stage, which has been designed to make use of the stunning backdrop of the castle.
A new seating layout will see two grandstands, separated into Montagues and Capulets, give improved sightlines on previous shows and bring the audience closer to the actors.
Production manager Richard Goodman, who has worked on 10 Shakespeare plays at the castle, said: “It’s a really ingenious stage and a fantastic use of space.
“There will be lots of things happening that we’ve never done and the design aspect has really gone into overdrive this year.
“It’s the 30th anniversary production and everyone is determined to make it very special to mark the occasion. We’re working on the set at our workshop on the Tollgate Industrial Park and looking forward to getting it up to the castle.”
Director Tim Ford added: “We’ve spoken a lot about the tremendous cast, but behind the scenes there’s a brilliant creative team as well, working on the lighting, sound and effects. It’s going to be a visual treat and we can’t wait for the opening night.
“To have sold 5,000 tickets at this stage is unheard of and just shows the appetite in the area for a highquality production. It’s a really exciting and positive response and shows how much people have missed the Shakespeare plays – there’s a great buzz around the town for its return this year.”
Borough council cabinet member Carolyn Trowbridge said the amount of early ticket sales was ‘fantastic’. She added: “We’ve missed having Shakespeare at the castle, it’s always such a brilliant event that puts Stafford on the cultural map.
“I go every year and enjoy a picnic up there in such a beautiful setting of the castle grounds. It really is a highlight of the summer.”
Tickets from 01785 619080 or staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk