Stafford Festival Shakespeare Production To Take Local Inspiration

The organisers of Stafford Festival Shakespeare have revealed that this year’s production of Much Ado About Nothing will be set in Stafford, at the close of World War 1.

Director, Peter Rowe, says:
“The show will open in 1918 as Leonato welcomes the troops back home from the Great War for music, dancing and romance. As war gives way to peace and Edwardian propriety unbuttons into the Jazz Age, Shakespeare’s much loved comedy will weave its magic in the dusk.”

Production Design will be by Dawn Allsopp, who is new to the Stafford Festival Shakespeare creative team. Dawn is a set and costume designer with impressive experience of over 23 years working in venues throughout the country. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Dawn to the Stafford Festival Shakespeare team this year” commented Producer Derrick Gask. “She is exceptionally talented and has some wonderful ideas for this year’s show. As it’s our big 25th anniversary I can’t think of a more appropriate setting than Stafford”.

Stafford Festival Shakespeare organisers recently announced that this year’s catering partnership will be with Sugnall Walled Gardens offering range of options to satisfy all appetites, from restaurant dining to take away snacks.

Much Ado About Nothing is the twenty fifth production staged as part of the annual Stafford Festival Shakespeare at Stafford Castle produced by Stafford Gatehouse Theatre in conjunction with Stafford Borough Council Leisure and Culture. The casting is due to be announced this month. 

Tickets for Much Ado About Nothing are on sale now and start from as little as £12. To book tickets click here or call the box office on 01785 619080. The show opens at Stafford Castle on  Thursday 25 June and runs until Saturday 11 July 2015.