William Shakespeare is helping to conserve the British countryside centuries after his death, as an open air production of his best-loved comedy has raised vitally-needed funds for the UK's leading wildlife research charity.
The Castle Theatre Company's production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' was held in the spacious gardens of Glemham Hall, Suffolk, on the evening on Monday 3 July 2017. Proceeds from the performance were split between the Suffolk branch of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and St Elizabeth Hospice, Ipswich. Over £800 was raised for the GWCT and will go towards funding its ground-breaking scientific research, which is dedicated to preserving the British countryside for future generations.
This marks the 18th year that the company has brought its touring productions to the grounds of Glemham Hall, with their other recent plays including 'Much Ado About Nothing' last year, and 'The Comedy of Errors' in 2015. The well-attended performance was proceeded by an open air picnic in the early evening, and further money was raised by a raffle during the interval.
GWCT regional organiser Lizzie Herring said, "This was a typically splendid production from the Castle Theatre Company, and we had perfect weather to enjoy the play and the gardens. It was a wonderful evening's entertainment that will directly benefit our countryside."
'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is one of the Bard's most widely-seen and was previously seen at Glemham Hall in 2012. Thought to have been first performed c.1595, the classic tale of love, envy and magic is ostensibly set in forests close to Athens, but scholars believe that it was actually inspired by the woodlands and countryside of Shakespeare's England.
Lizzie Herring added, "We very much hope to see Shakespeare at Glemham Hall again in 2018."
For further information about the GWCT's activities in Suffolk, please contact Lizzie Herring on 07885 897647 or by email at lherring@gwct.org.uk.
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Photocaption: This is the 18th time that the Castle Theatre Company has performed Shakespeare in the spectacular surrounding of the gardens of Glemham Hall.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk