Historic hall hosts the Bard
It is one of England's most famous plays and a sell-out crowd at Himley Hall enjoyed some very English traditions when they witnessed a scenic performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream. It is one of England's most famous plays and a sell-out crowd at Himley Hall enjoyed some very English traditions when they witnessed a scenic performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Stourbridge Theatre Company took to the woodland of the popular attraction to put on the play, which they first performed in 1989 at almost the exact same spot in the grounds of the historic hall. Around 200 tickets were sold for the opening night of this year's event and members of the audience turned up with picnic baskets brimming with treats and tipples to enjoy. And before the performance got underway strawberries and glasses of champagne and Pimms proved a popular choice. Rehearsals have been underway at the site since Sunday. The first show was performed last night and it will run until July 14 – with only a handful of tickets remaining. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Stourbridge Theatre Company took to the woodland of the popular attraction to put on the play, which they first performed in 1989 at almost the exact same spot in the grounds of the historic hall.
Around 200 tickets were sold for the opening night of this year's event and members of the audience turned up with picnic baskets brimming with treats and tipples to enjoy. And before the performance got underway strawberries and glasses of champagne and pimms proved a popular choice.
Rehearsals have been underway at the site since Sunday. The first show was performed last night and it will run until July 14 – with only a handful of tickets remaining.
Clare McGill-Williams, from Swan Bank in Wolverhampton took along her mum Chris Jones-Williams who lives in Rhyl. Clare said: "We came to a performance of Jane Eyre here last year and thought it was great and have been really looking forward to this show."
Another audience member, Ena Baker, from Kingswinford, said: "It has been a wonderful show, we have been here several times although this is the first time we have been to watch it on this stage."
Valerie Wright, from Sedgley, added: "It has been lovely. The setting for this was a great idea, we have enjoyed the show."
And Flora Bianco, who went to see the performance with friends from Arena Hairdressing in Brettell Lane, Amblecote, said: "It has been very good, and it has been a nice night. We have all really enjoyed it."
The group's next production at Himley Hall will be Wuthering Heights which will take place on July 16 to 19 2008. For more information call 01384 812812.
