Outdoor Shakespearean showcase raises the Bard at Temple Newsam

The stage is set for Shakespearean showcase with a difference this summer at Temple Newsam.

Following their popular adaptation of ‘Twelfth Night’ performed around Temple Newsam’s Home Farm last year, Front Room Productions will return to the Estate for one night only on August 3.

The Leeds-based theatre company has created A Midsummer Night’s Showcase, which will present a medley of Shakespearean scenes, peppered with their characteristic re-workings of familiar pop hits.

The performance will take place in Temple Newsam’s stunning outdoor amphitheatre, with attendees encouraged to bring along a picnic. Performers will be left firmly at the mercy of the audience, with the selection of scenes performed to be picked from a hat.

Front Room’s artistic director, Olivia Race said: “You can expect to experience a whole range of material, from the belly-laugh inducing, to the tear-jerking.

“From the likes of the hilarious Pyramus and Thisbe scene from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, to the rousing rhetoric of ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Julius Caesar’, and the devastating drama of ‘Othello’, we have quite a range in store.”

Front Room Productions’ characteristic style combines live music, unique settings and high energy with the beauty of Shakespeare’s original text.

Delivered by skilled performers in a way that unearths modern day idiosyncrasies within the language, the company’s performances make Shakespeare a fun and relatable experience for all.

Creative producer Alice Barber added: “We are thrilled to be returning to Temple Newsam this year with this very special performance. We’ll be welcoming all, from Bard buffs to first timers. Fun for all the family in breath-taking surroundings – what more could you ask for on a summer’s evening?”

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for the environment and active lifestyles said: “It’s great to see the beautiful surroundings of Temple Newsam hosting outdoor theatre again and for the people of Leeds to have the opportunity to enjoy one of our city’s most beloved parks in a completely different way.”

A Midsummer Night’s Showcase will be performed in the amphitheatre at Temple Newsam Estate on Saturday August 3 at 6.30pm and 8pm. Tickets are Pay What You Decide, and can be booked online at www.frontroomproductions.co.uk

ENDS

NOTES TO THE EDITOR/LISTINGS INFORMATION:

For further information, images and interview availability please contact Front Room Productions on info@frontroomproductions.co.uk / call Olivia Race (07791 384055) or Alice Barber (07964 606368).

Further images to download here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmxbkiif

Venue: Amphitheatre, Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0BG

Dates: 3^rd August

Performances: 6.30pm, 8pm

Running time: 1h

Ticket prices: Pay What You Decide

Book online: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/frontroomproductions

Summer activities at Temple Newsam:

Monsters in the Mansion, adventure trail, until Sept 1

Hunt the Wight Trail, trail in farm, until Sept 1

Go Create, drop in crafts, August 6, 20, 27

Anything Could Happen, children’s show – advanced booking via Eventbrite (£4), August 6, 1-2pm

The Holy Greyhound, family friendly talk, August 7 12-12.30pm

Amazing Animals, see our animal visitors from Tropical World, August 10-18, 10am-4pm

Jackrabbit Pottery, kids pottery painting, advanced tickets via Eventbrite (£15), August 13, 11.30am-12.30pm and 2-3pm

Fantastic MiRo, meet our friendly robot pet, August 16, 11am-3pm

Clay Creatures, August 21, 10.30am-12.30pm

Address: Temple Newsam Road, Leeds LS15 0AD

Telephone Number: 0113 3367460

Website Address: www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/temple-newsam