This summer, combine a love of theatre with a love of the outdoors with the fantastic new season of performances on offer at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells.
This year, there are five new productions over seven different summer dates.
The season begins on Sunday 18th June at 6:30pm with the well-loved children’s classic Peter Pan, brought to you by Chapterhouse Theatre Company. In this all-new production join Wendy, Michael and John Darling on their adventures with Peter, far away on the magical island of Neverland. There, they encounter the enchanting mermaids, magical fairies and the cruellest pirate of them all, Captain Hook! Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French and in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, J.M. Barrie’s timeless classic is brought to life in a brand new adaptation by award-winning writer Laura Turner, with beautifully designed costumes, music and songs.
On 29th & 30th June and 2nd July the recently formed Wells Theatre Company is bringing a brand new production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet to the Gardens of the Palace. These performances will be played in promenade style, with the audience following the action from scene to scene around the grounds and Palace. Edgar Phillips’ portrayal of the Danish Prince promises to be powerful and touching.
The Palace is delighted to be welcoming back firm favourites The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, whose production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ was a sell out last year. On Sunday 30th July, they’ll be bringing Shakespeare’s most hilarious farce ‘A Comedy of Errors’ to the South Lawn – a riotous rollercoaster of a comedy that will keep you guessing and laughing until its joyous conclusion. The company perform in traditional Shakespearian style, with an all-male cast.
There’s a return to Family Theatre on Friday 11th August, with Boxtree Productions’ beautiful rendition of ‘The Wind in the Willows’.Join Mole as he says ‘dang’ and ‘blast it!’, throws down his broom and sets off on an adventure out of his hole. On his journey, he meets the effervescent Ratty who shows him the wonders of picnics and messing about on the river, Badger, the wise old sage of the woods and Toad of toad hall, whose exploits cause all manner of mischief and upheaval. When the Otters and Stoats take over Toad Hall it’s up to Mole and Ratty, Badger and Toad to retake control. With inventive staging, original songs and magical storytelling audiences are invitied to enjoy this classic tale of adventure, friendship and picnics in Boxtree Production’s unique and energetic way!
The final production in the season is another Shakespeare performance, but it certainly won’t be a traditional one. The Pantaloons are known for their wonderful, wacky and humorous interpretations of classic shows and will be lending their wild ways to ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ on Sunday 30th August. Be prepared for anything – and definitely a lot of laughter!
All these productions will take place in the open air and will continue regardless of the weather. Audiences are invited to bring rugs or low-backed seating and may bring picnics. The Palace BBQ and Bar will also be available each night.
For further information and tickets, visit www.bishopspalace.org.uk or telephone 01749 988 111.