Tickets dip for Hamlet

Ticket sales for the Stafford Castle production of Hamlet are down more than 1,500 on last year’s Shakespeare play at the venue.

To date, 8,129 tickets have been sold, compared to 9,639 for Much Ado About Nothing at the same point last year.

But theatre bosses have defended the figure, saying tragedies are traditionally slower sellers than comedies, and that this year’s sales are comparable to other years.

Producer Derrick Gask said he was still “delighted” with ticket sales for this year’s production.

“Tragedies are always slower sellers than comedies but our ticket sales for Hamlet are comparable with 2006’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is very encouraging,” he said.

“We have had an amazing response so far to the production. Our audiences are raving about the show and the quality of the company and the production, which is fantastic and a great way to mark our 18th anniversary of the event.”

“I’m sure ticket sales will continue to grow and I look forward to hearing more positive comments from our loyal audiences throughout the rest of the run,” he added.

The opening night of Hamlet, last week, had to be abandoned after torrential rain and howling winds lashed the open-air set.

Organisers pulled the plug shortly before the interval, amid fears for the safety of the actors and audience.

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, which produces the event, pledged to find members of the weather-beaten audience replacement seats for other performances during the production’s fortnight run.

The production stars stage and screen actor Joseph Millson in the title role, along with ex-Eastenders stars Louise Jameson and Kellie Shirley as Gertrude and Ophelia.

Organisers of the annual Stafford Castle play have announced a return to comedy next year.

Twelfth Night will be staged at the ancient monument from June 25 to July 11, 2009.

The romantic comedy of mistaken identity was last performed in the town in 2000, when it attracted big audiences. Tickets will go on sale for next year’s production on August 18 this year.

Hamlet ends its run on July 12 and tickets are still available from the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre box office on 01785 254653.