It really was a dream show!

Did you see the fantastic news about A Midsummer Night's Dream after the show closed?

Copyright Darren Thomas

Stafford Festival Shakespeare’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream closed on Saturday 13^th July to a sold out audience and has seen record breaking attendance since the show opened on Thursday 27^th June.

Derrick Gask, Producer of the event commented: “we have seen 11,000 people attend this year’s show, which is the largest audience the festival has received since 2005. We had a fantastic year last year and were overwhelmed at the support Romeo and Juliet received, so to see even more people support the show this year is incredible”



Copyright Darren Thomas

A Midsummer Night’s Dream had a total of 17 performances and was the festival’s 23^rd production. Receiving critical acclaim from reviewers and audiences, Gask added: “I am so thrilled that Stafford Festival Shakespeare continues to attract audiences locally and nationally and it is a true community event. We are hugely proud of the success the show has had and would like to thank our ever loyal audience for supporting Stafford Festival Shakespeare”.

Date night dilemmas

A few weeks ago we asked you to join in our survery of your date night dilemmas and disasters. Here's the results!

Days before the curtains are set to close for the finale of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, people across the country were asked to complete a survey on the worst thing that could happen to them before a big date.

The survey, made up of 100 respondents in the Midlands, revealed that the biggest issue a couple could face before the night is losing the tickets. Other responses include turning up on the wrong night and finding someone sitting in your seat, sitting on a chair which collapses mid performance and forgetting your date’s name.

One survey respondent commented, “The worst thing that could happen while on a date with my boyfriend would be my husband turning up!” 

The full list of date night dilemmas and the percentage of respondents choosing them was:

·        You lose the tickets:  32%

·        Your partner talks all the way through the play: 14%

·        Your partner talks about their ex too much: 13%

·        You realise you know absolutely nothing about the play you've agreed to see: 10%

·        Losing your wallet/purse: 9%

·        You spill your drink everywhere: 5%

·        You can't find anything to wear: 5%

·        You turn up ridiculously late: 5%

·        Your phone doesn't stop ringing throughout the night: 5%

·        You get a spot on the big night: 2%

Thanks to everybody who took part in the survey!

Collaboration between RSC and Google demonstrates the continued relevance of Shakespeare

The Royal Shakespeare Company and Google joined forces this month to put on a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream that utilised elements of the latter’s social media site, Google+. A Midsummer Night’s Dreaming, as the project is titled, saw the plot of the play shared on the internet as it occurred over three days. Making use of text, animated and video posts and the hashtag #dream40, the project aimed to present the story of the celebrated play through the lens of social media.

This is not the first time the RSC has tried its hand at social media storytelling. Its previous project titled Such Tweet Sorrow, aimed to bring Romeo and Juliet into the 21st century and the digital world. The production made use of multiple platforms such as Wordpress, YouTube and Audioboo but primarily focused on Twitter. The 140 character limit of Twitter saw innovation from the cast. The actors for instance interacted with other Twitter users that were following the narrative, and improvised their tweets around a structured framework rather than quote lines directly.

One benefit of both these performances is that they are archived on the internet, so you can look back over them at any time. Although reading through the 4000 tweets posted over the five weeks Such Tweet Sorrow took place, is not a task to be undertaken lightly.

A Midsummer Night’s Dreaming took a different format, characters updated Google+ with pictures and videos of a performance that took place in real time over three days in Stratford-upon-Avon. “These projects highlight the continued relevance of Shakespeare in the modern day,” says Derrick Gask, Artistic Programme Manager at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre.

“They show that Shakespeare’s works can be transmitted over digital channels and still have an impact. With the recent release of Joss Whedon’s film adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing garnering critical acclaim, the popularity of Shakespeare is higher than ever.”

You can buy tickets for the Stafford Festival Shakespeare performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream here (http://www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/shakespeare/A-Midsummer-Night-s-Dream). View the archive for A Midsummer Night’s Dreaming at www.dream40.org to refresh your memory of the plot.

Bottom's Blog: Week 3

"It's all go!!

I think I've even surprised myself how many oatcakes and sweet treats I've needed the past week simply to maintain my shape what with all the running around we have all been doing.  (This is simply to save our wardrobe dept having to take my costume in any further!!) 

Our final rehearsals in the Gatehouse went really well and the excitement of heading up to the castle site became almost unbearable! The sun shone, our beautiful set was built, the urn in the portacabin worked and all was ready to start our final run throughs in the shadow of the mighty castle itself.  (Although the promised stairlift to get me from the car park up the hill to the arena had not materialised again this year...the matter is now with my Zurich lawyers!) 

Copyright Darren Thomas

As I sat in the stand, looking over the set and fortifications beyond it was as if I'd never been away! Absolutely lovely! The tech and dress rehearsals went very well as we adapted to the task of timing entrances running round the hill as opposed to taking three steps on-stage as we had in the theatre.

And now...we're up and (quite literally) running.  The opening night was damp and chilly but our hearts were warmed by the response of the sell out crowd who cheered and clapped their way through the evening as only the wonderful Stafford audiences do!! Just what we needed.  I hear rumours of lovely reviews and a morning after rush at the box office! Don't leave it too late!

 Eric xx

Copyright Darren Thomas

 

Copyright Darren Thomas

Adventures for kids!

To mark the opening of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on June 27,  we have come up with ten adventures for children inspired by the Shakespeare's plays. Although the majority of these ideas can be put into practice in your own back garden, some of them will enable young fans to discover Shakespeare stories hidden all around Staffordshire and the country.  

  

1. Pet a donkey: One of the funniest characters in A Midsummer Night's Dream is Bottom. He provides comic relief throughout the play and, during its course; his head is transformed into that of a donkey by the fairy Puck. So why not spend a summer’s day with the children visiting a donkey sanctuary or farm? Amerton Farm in Staffordshire has a petting area where you can see the two donkeys alongside chickens, cows, pigs, cats and a dog!

2. Make friends with a fairy: Another interesting activity for a little one is making friends with fairies! Yes, fairies! Cannock Chase has loads of them hidden amongst trees and shrubs. Parents and their children could spend an exciting morning trying to make friends with a fairy and take a picture of one of these magical creatures.

3. Make a Shakespeare inspired costume: This one is an easy task, which only requires some old rags, bits of fabric, rope... and lots of imagination! Fairies, wild creatures, kings and knights costumes can be brought to life with a little effort and some creativity.

4. Throw a Shakespeare party: Once your costume is ready, why not show it off to friends? Organising a Shakespeare inspired children’s party would be a great incentive for the little ones to see their projects though and get recognition for their hard work. Don’t forget the party food though!

5. Organise a Ghost Hunt: Shakespeare was passionate about the supernatural and many of his characters are actually ghosts: Banquo (Macbeth), Caesar (Julius Caesar), the ghost of Hamlet’s father (Hamlet), ghosts of Edward Prince of Wales and Henry VI (Richard III). So why nor organise a ghost hunt for those adventurous littlies? Spooky!

6. Throw a masked ball: If you thought putting together a Shakespearean costume was exciting and fun, why not try and craft a mask as well? And there's lots of Shakespearian inspiration to choose from; whether it’s a donkey mask, a lion or any other mystical creature, the little ones will get hours of fun out of it.

7. Put on a play: Your mask and costume’s ready so how about putting on a play? There are lots of children’s versions of Shakespeare’s comedies available, so let your little one’s dramatic talent shine through. The best performances could be rewarded with small prizes like books, party bags or other little treats.

8. Make some music: There’s nothing more inspiring than learning how to play an instrument and it’s often one of the skills adults most wish they had picked up as a child. Lots of summer schools organise music classes, so why not check out the local offerings and see what instruments best suits your child?

9. Make some magic: Shakespeare's characters often appeal to magic when trying to solve problems. Children could have a stab at creating their own magic spell; try doing this on a rainy day and encourage them to create a spell which brings back the warm weather! This is Britain after all; we could all do with a sunny day!

10. Take a witch photo: All you need is a broom, a camera and a pointy hat! Ask the child to jump while holding the broom and try shooting the photo while they're in mid air. The result is a picture that makes them look like they are flying on an enchanted broomstick.

If you found these tips useful and fun, bring the little ones to see amazing costumes, magic 
 settings and great music at this year's Stafford Festival Shakespeare. Tickets are available 
for as little as £10 and can be purchased by calling the friendly box office on 01785 254653 or by visiting www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.co.uk

Bottom's Blog: Week 2

The cast and crew have had another busy week, but have still found time for a cheeky slice of cake or two!

Read on to see how week two was for Eric Potts.



The Mechanicals rehearse with Peter Rowe



"To be honest, this week has seemed a bit of a dream...It has gone so fast!! Rehearsals continue apace, both acting and music and the lovely ladies of the wardrobe department have started the process of costume fittings alongside Libby our lovely designer. I am pleased to say that the measurements I sent in a few weeks ago still seem to be accurate and my costume fits despite the cherry scones and banana loaf I may or may not have been consuming on a regular basis from the Gatehouse Theatre Coffee Shop. (We are working very hard, we all have to keep our strength up!!)

We seem to have achieved a great deal this week including the staging of Pyramus & Thisbe - the play within the play, which I promise you will be different to and funnier than any version you have ever seen before!



Eric, Andy, Phylip and James in music rehearsals.



On a sadder note...the sunshine streaming in our music studio skylights faded to such an extent that Peter Rowe our esteemed director had to delay the start of rehearsals until he had popped to M & S to purchase some dry socks after he and his cycle were caught in a deluge on the way to work! Let's hope that is the last downpour until July 14th!!

This week the final touches and for me, the dreaded D word...dance!!  I will keep you all posted!



Eric xx"

Summer Cinema at Shugborough!

On Saturday 17^th August Shugborough will host a family-friendly screening of Dreamworks’ ‘Madagascar’ during the afternoon, with the smash-hit turned cinema box-office favourite ‘Mamma Mia’ in the evening. Offering two fantastic events to delight young and old, that it’s hoped will see ‘Summer Cinema’ return year on year.

The 40sqm LED screen and stunning surround sound system with Blu Ray format film, will be almost three times bigger than in 2011 when films were last screened in the magnificent parkland setting of the Shugborough Estate. Following on from the success of those events, Stafford-based Generate Events, have invested heavily in the quality of the cinematic experience and added lots of additional attractions and activities, whilst at the same time keeping standard ticket prices the same.

Gates open at midday for ‘Madagascar’ with the film screening at 1.30pm as part of a fun-filled day out for families, which also includes Signal Radio’s Family Roadshow, music, face-painting, fancy dress and competitions. Families can even bring their own food and drinks along, to enjoy a picnic whilst they watch. Advance tickets are priced at just £20 for a family of four, or individually priced at £6 per person. Tickets also include parking and entry to the magnificent Shugborough Estate, so offer great value for a family day out on a budget.

 “There’s plenty of space for kids to run around and play safely, if they can’t sit still long enough to watch a film” said Generate Events’ Matt Hudson “ I know many parents can’t take kids to an indoor cinema for that very reason, so this venue is perfect!”

In the evening, it’s time to warm up the vocal cords and get your dancing shoes on, as Shugborough gets ready to party! With an all-star cast including Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Julie Walters, ‘Mamma Mia’ is a perennial girl’s night out favourite.

Signal Radio will get the party started when gates re-open at 6pm, with ‘Mamma Mia’ screening from 8pm. “We’ve created a really fabulous event with real fun and sparkle” said Matt “With advance tickets from just £8 up to limited VIP Guest Tickets at £18 which include priority parking, queue-jumping entry, a private drinks service, preferential viewing area, even luxury loos – there are all the ingredients for everyone to enjoy a great night out with friends and family.”

Visitors to both events have the choice to bring their own picnics, food, drinks, picnic blankets and fold-out chairs and relax in the beautiful surroundings of Shugborough. For those who prefer, both events will also offer bars, a selection of hot food outlets, ice-cream, popcorn and coffee.

Tickets for ‘Madagascar’ are £6.60 per person or £22 for a Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children).

Tickets for ‘Mamma Mia’ are £11 per person, £8.80 for concessions and £19.80 for VIP Guest Tickets. (Prices include all booking fees)

All tickets can be booked via Stafford Gatehouse Theatre.

For large group bookings (10 or more) and gazebo bookings call Generate Events on 01785 887856.