Live theatre at Arundel Castle – Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare
“Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Arundel, we lay our scene…”
Arundel Castle will host open-air theatre performances of the Shakespeare timeless romantic classic, Romeo and Juliet this month on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th August 2024. The castle’s iconic Earl’s Garden will be transformed into an enchanting outdoor theatre. Where attendees can sit under the stars and relish this passionate, poetic, and utterly gripping production. Where better is a setting for an evening of romance, lust, love, and death?
Who is performing?
Romeo and Juliet was first performed in 1597, hundreds of years later and this play remains as popular as ever. The performers are from Illyria, an award-winning outdoor theatre company. Illyria last performed this terrific play ten years ago. The production won Critic’s Choice in Edinburgh, attracted 5-star reviews in Canada and received a nomination for Best of Fringe in Vancouver. We are almost certain that ten years later, their performance of Romeo and Juliet will continue to wow audiences.
Keep the evening romantic or bring the kids – the choice is yours
Romeo and Juliet is famously known as one of the playwright’s masterpieces. This vibrant act is filled with secret rendezvous between two young lovers, gripping scenes of feuding families, and, surprisingly, plenty of laughter. The performance is expected to be suitable for children aged eight and up, so this performance is the perfect evening out for families and couples alike. Although it is important to note that themes are expected to be young love, fate and destiny, and the conflict between individual desires and social expectations.
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Where is a better setting for this historical love story?
Although Sussex is far from fair Verona, there is no better setting for this wonderful tale. Arundel Castle is a restored mediaeval castle tucked away in Arundel, West Sussex, England. It was established during the reign of Edward the Confessor and completed by Roger de Montgomery, who was a cousin of William the Conqueror. The castle is a Grade I-listed building, which has been restored in the 18th and 19th century after being damaged during the English Civil War. Feeling romantic? Check out the castle gardens. Or if conflict and betrayal is more your cup of tea, scowl around the castle walls, which stand tall overlooking the town below.
Andrew Lewis, Castle Manager at Arundel Castle, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event. “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming back Illyria to perform one of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays. With the picturesque backdrop of the Arundel Castle gardens and the Cathedral, together with the wonderful atmosphere created from sitting outdoors at dusk, the audience will be treated to a wonderfully unique evening of entertainment.
“We welcome everyone to join us for a magnificent night of Shakespearean drama and revelry in the great outdoors. The performance forms part of the 2024 Arundel Festival of the Arts in the town.”
Times and prices
- Tickets are £23 for adults, and £17 for children.
- The performance will begin promptly at 7.30pm. Grounds open at 6pm for picnics, and the seating area opening at 6.45pm
- Tickets for Arundel Castle’s Shakespeare open-air theatre, Romeo and Juliet, are available at www.arundelcastle.org
“Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow.”