Costumes worn by Hollywood stars on stage and on screen are the centrepiece of a new exhibition which has just opened in York.
The Bard at Barley Hall sees York’s medieval townhouse celebrate all things Shakespeare.
On show are costumes worn by Michael Fassbender in the 2015 film version of Macbeth, Al Pacino in 2004’s Merchant of Venice and Kate Winslet’s Ophelia costume from Hamlet.
The exhibition looks at how Shakespeare’s plays have been presented over the centuries, and how York revisits its past through drama.
“We’ve added a host of interactive elements to the exhibition that will appeal to visitors of all ages, not least our many visiting school groups,” said Dr Chris Tuckley, head of interpretation and learning for The Jorvik Group, which runs Barley Hall.
“We’ve incorporated a shadow puppet theatre where visitors can recreate iconic scenes from Hamlet and Macbeth, and we have costumes available for children and adults to create the perfect Shakespearean Selfie.”
The York connection includes costumes from York Theatre Royal and some surprising items found beneath seats during the recent refurbishment of the theatre.
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It also looks at how Barley Hall influenced the construction of one of the most iconic Shakespearean buildings of our time, Shakespeare’s Globe.
Director of attractions at Jorvik Sarah Maltby said: “Traditional building techniques were used during the restoration of Barley Hall which helped us better understand the processes of creating this kind of medieval building.
“The team behind the reconstruction of Barley Hall’s timber frame was commissioned to do the same for the Globe, largely on the strength of what had been achieved at York.”
This weekend will also see the opening of the Barley Hall Coffee Shop next door. To celebrate visitors will be serenaded as they arrive in the courtyard outside the hall by medieval musicians, Caliban’s Dream.
Historic re-enactment troop Ting Tang will also be hosting demonstrations of the remarkable art of stage sword fighting – a common occurrence in many of Shakespeare’s plays.
Barley Hall details
Barley Hall is open daily from 10am to 4pm, with admission prices of £7.50 for adults, £6 for concessions and £4.50 for children.
For more details, or to prebook a visit, please visit barleyhall.co.uk