SHAKESPEARE SAVED BUT NO CASTLE SHOW

THE Shakespeare Festival in Stafford could be moved to the town’s Gatehouse Theatre next year to ensure it goes ahead.

A report to be discussed by Stafford Borough councillors says the cost of staging the production at Stafford Castle in 2023 would be difficult in the current financial climate.

Freedom Leisure Trust, who run a range of leisure and cultural services on behalf of the council, has asked for help with increases in energy costs.

Next Thursday (December 1) members of the council’s cabinet will discuss making a financial contribution as an ‘exceptional cost’ to help Freedom through this difficult period.

And as part of the discussions the Cabinet will be asked to agree that the popular festival will be hosted in the Gatehouse next year.

The festival returned to the Castle for a two-week run of Romeo & Juliet this summer, having been cancelled in the previous two years due to covid – with the organisers reporting an increase in ticket sales compared to 2019.