Outdoor theatre company The Pantaloons are to return to the beautiful surroundings of RSPB The Lodge at Sandy this weekend for some open-air Shakespeare.
Their hilarious, original and fast-paced production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is told in their own distinctive and anarchic style – using audience interaction, contemporary references, slapstick and original live music, all nestled comfortably within the verse.
Following last year’s Romeo and Juliet and Gulliver’s Travels shows, the performances on Saturday and Sunday will give visitors to the Sandy venue the chance to bring out their deck chairs and picnics and enjoy some great summer entertainment.
With a cast of just five actors, The Pantaloons bring a genuinely fun element back to Shakespeare’s work, making it accessible to people of all ages.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream promises to be fast-paced, brimming with comic energy, and full of contemporary twists to make this much-loved tale even more memorable.
Mark Haywood, one of The Pantaloons, said: “Our style is accessible for everyone. People love the interaction, the fun and the lively music and it’s just something different!
“In our productions, the audience’s imagination is just as important as ours – we invite them into the world of the play, and a scene’s direction can completely change based on an audience member’s suggestion.
“We are thrilled to be back at RSPB The Lodge again, for our 10th year, and performing in such a beautiful and perfect location.”
The Pantaloons formed in 2004, and have tackled classics such as Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, The Canterbury tales and Much Ado about Nothing – as well as other much loved stories such as Sherlock, Gulliver’s Travels and A Treasure Island.
Mark Brandon from The Lodge said: “It’s really great to welcome The Pantaloons back again.
“Their shows give us the opportunity to highlight our gardens and house and do something completely different for our visitors.
“The Pantaloons have proved to be a huge success here over the years and have built up a very loyal following, and we are very much looking forward to seeing their latest Shakespeare performance.”
The show starts at 7pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday. Tickets are £13.50 for adults and £8 for children under 16, with under-sevens entering free. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs £37.
You can get tickets at the RSPB shop at The Lodge, or from pantaloons.co.uk.
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