Lancaster’s ancient working castle is to make a perfect stand in for the palace of Elsinore as one of the country’s most exciting site-specific professional theatre companies prepares to present its indoor promenade production of the Bard’s famous (and most quoted) drama, Hamlet, next month. Rehearsals have already begun at the castle for the new production.
Running from Thursday 21 February until Saturday 15 March 2008 this new production from Demi Paradise Productions will be set when written, circa 1600, with costume by Ruth Caswell (part of the design team on both the Elizabeth and Shakespeare in Love films).
Damien Warren-Smith stars as Hamlet, with return visits by Sarah Thurstan (Gertrude) Patrick Bridgman (Horatio) David Frederickson (Polonius) & Amy Rhiannon Worth (Guildenstern). Newcomers to the demi-paradise company for this production are Robert Garrett (Ghost) Simon Kirk (Claudius) Gareth Cassidy (Laertes) Claire Disley (Ophelia) Eric Coudrill (Marcellus) Thomas K Lappin (Rosencrantz) and Paul Hassall (Fortinbras).
Mark Alexander will be bringing 25 years of experience to lighting the show and Clare-Louise Hall (Richard III) is designing set and dressing. As ever, live music will play an integrated role in developing and sustaining the action, as the audience move from venue to venue within the shire hall complex of Georgian courtrooms, stairways and medieval tower.
demi-paradise productions was founded by Stephen Tomlin in 2000 to perform indoor promenade productions of classical plays at Lancaster Castle, one of Britain’s last great working castles with a history stretching back 2,000 years.
An association of regionally based performers and designers, demi–paradise acts as a magnet and showcase for professional talent, committed to creating an unforgettable experience of high quality classical drama.
The company’s site-specific interpretations of Shakespeare’sRichard II (2000, pictured), Measure For Measure (2001),Macbeth (2002), All’s Well That Ends Well (2004), & Richard III (2006) have reflected the history and continuing use of the building as a royal fortress, prison and courts.
• Due to the restricted sizes of the various playing spaces audience capacity is strictly limited to 60 per performance. There are no performances on 24 and 25 Febuary or 2 and 9 March
• Tickets for public performances, at £20 each, will go on sale Monday 28th January from 9.00am at Shire Hall, Lancaster Castle. Call in person, or ring 01524 64998 to book. A ‘Pay What You Can’ preview performance will take place on Tuesday 19 February. Terms are strictly first come first served on the door, cash only, non reservable places.
• There are a handful of places left for the School & Student Matinee on Saturday 1st March. Thanks to the generosity of demi paradise’s principal sponsor, the Duchy of Lancaster, tickets are only £10 each. This is a real bargain for anyone in full time education and one not to be missed! Ring box office manager Christine Goodier (01524 64998) to book.