Travel back in time in breathtaking surroundings as you immerse yourself in the language of love at Norwich Cathedral’s Shakespeare Festival, says Judith Palmer.
As you emerge from the enchanting stonework of the Norwich Catherdral cloisters into the open air of the grassy square contained within, you will realise that this will be no ordinary trip to the theatre. With the stage set beneath the architectually beautiful cathedral spire, the Bard himself couldn’t have picked a better setting. So it seems appropriate that The Lord Chamberlain’s Men return for their second year to perform a magical production of Twelfth Night - a brand new, action-packed rendition of Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedy.
“Twelfth Night has always been one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays,” declares Mark Puddle, who is the creative producer for the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Describing the cathedral as “one of the nation’s most beautiful attractions”, Mark says: “I can’t think of anything more perfect for a summer’s evening than a classic retelling of this great comedy.”
Marketing manager at the cathedral, James Shelton describes their annual Shakespeare Festival as “something rather special and undoubtedly one of the hottest tickets in town”. With audiences returning year after year to witness the performances in their wondeful setting, it is clear that you don’t need to be a Shakespearean expert to enjoy this performance, which features full Elizabethan costume and traditional music and dance. If music be the food of love, play on!
Tickets for Wednesday, 15 and Saturday, 18 July performances, priced £20 for adults and £17 for concessions (over-60s, students and under-16s) are avaliable online from www.cathedral.org.uk, Norwich Theatre Royal box office on 01603 630000 or at the cathedral gift shop.
