Happy birthday Will! All-women Romeo And Juliet cast stage Shakespearean party
Various York venues
Thurs May 7-Sat May 23
From £5
Details on the Theatre Royal website
It is William Shakespeare’s birthday today (April 23) – and to celebrate the cast of a new production of Romeo And Juliet staged a big old bash for the Bard.
No doubt the 451-year-old playwright would have been thrilled to join the Flanagan Collective’s finest as they took a break from rehearsals to put on the knees-up.
As St Olave’s Church on Marygate echoed to the sound of party blowers and bouncing balloons, it became clear that this production of Romeo And Juliet will be like no other.
For a start the enduring tragedy will be staged by an all-woman cast. And it will be staged here in St Olave’s, stalwart survivor of the Siege of York (which also started on April 23 – in 1644).
The Flanagan Collective love to take theatre out and about, having performed Sherlock Holmes in York Guildhall and A Christmas Carol in city pubs.
St Olave’s Church, Marygate, York YO30 7BZ
Thurs May 7-Sat May 23 @ 7.30pm with 2.30pm Sat matinees
£14-£18
Romeo And Juliet opens the very first York International Shakespeare Festival which runs from May 8 to 17.
Directed by Alexander Wright, produced by Brian Hook and performed by Holly Beasley-Garrigan, Amie Burns Walker, Yoshika Colwell, Hannah Davies, Sarah Davies and Emma Ballantine, this contemporary production of Romeo and Juliet will be infused with live music, soaring harmonies and good, honest storytelling.
Director Alexander Wright said:
Of course April 23, while never definitively confirmed as Shakespeare’s birthday, was definitely the date of his death. But we won’t mention that in case it poops a very enjoyable party.