The Bournemouth Shakespeare Players are presenting their 35th Annual Shakespeare in the Priory House Gardens in Christchurch in July 2013. They have presented everything from bright comedies and educational histories to handkerchief wetting tragedies. Following the success of last year’s production of “THE COMEDY OF ERRORS” they are embarking on their production of William Shakespeare’s “MEASURE FOR MEASURE”.This drama is classified as a comedy play by Shakespeare. However it is also referred to as a ‘problem play’, because it cannot be easily described as either a tragedy or comedy as switches from drama to straightforward comedy. It has also been called a ‘morality play’ so will all end happily? Although the subject matter is quite dark there is a lot of comedy in the play and would appeal to the “groundlings” with the ridicule of the upper classes. “Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall”.
Setting it in The Restoration period, this year’s production “MEASURE FOR MEASURE” will be presented in the Priory House Garden, Christchurch, from Tuesday 16th July to Saturday 20th July and TUESDAY 23rd July to SATURDAY 27th July 2013 at 7.30 p.m. Tickets and further details on Tel No. (01202) 534776, [email protected] . Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre, High Street, Christchurch, and by telephone. Tickets are valid for any night. You buy the ticket and then choose the night you want to see the show. Ticket prices have been held at £9.00 and concessions £7.00. Group Rates are 1 free ticket for every 10 purchased. Seating is provided but you can bring a picnic and enjoy the Priory House Garden. The play will be directed by Kevin Dicker. The cast includes Ian Botterill, Gerry Carroll, Rachael Cheeseman, John Celea, Alan Freeman, Ryan Gregg, Dawn Hollington, Paul Nelson, and Lee Tilson. Costumes will again be from the Player’s own wardrobe, made and designed by Kerry Jackman who has set up the BSP Wardrobe Hire which is available to hire for theatrical productions and full details on the website www.bspwardobehire.co.uk
The Company is non-profit making and in 1988, it adopted a charity and it was decided to give a donation to the Macmillan Trust, Christchurch. This year marks 16 years of support to the Macmillan Trust Cancer Unit in Christchurch. Since then through the hard work of various teams each year, another local charities have also benefited. This year they are also supporting The Christchurch Priory Building Conservation Trust. The Players also support the Priory House Trust at Christchurch, and in previous years they have supported St John’s Ambulance and The Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Ever since the Players were formed they have always tried to give back to the community that supports them and so far they have donated over £100,000 to many local charities since 1988. With the ever-increasing cost of mounting such a production, the Players are looking for sponsors to help them either in a large or small way such as sponsoring a costume or becoming a patron. Help to keep this company in existence from as little as £12.00 a year. If you would like further details of these schemes please write to the Players or E-mail them.
Web-site: www.bshakespearep.org
E-mail: [email protected]
In 1996, the company was proud to announce that Dame Judi Dench had kindly agreed to be their President and the long and happy association continues with regular messages of support for the company’s ventures both written and in person.
The Players continue their tradition of encouraging young actors and introducing them to the joys of Shakespeare. Several past members of the Players have since gone on to drama schools and into the professional theatre as well as the film and television world. One of the best ways to understand Shakespeare is to see it in performance and also to perform it.
If you fancy having a go at Shakespeare but have always been frightened of it then why not try the series of workshops which the players run (usually from September) which cover text, voice and acting skills. Everyone is welcome whether you have been acting for years or just starting out or just want to try some Shakespeare. There will be a small charge per workshop and they will be run by The Player’s Director and Chairman Kevin Dicker. Contact the Players if you are interested either by e-mail [email protected] or by writing to 33 Tincleton Gardens, Bournemouth, BH9 3RD
The Players hope that their audience will continue with their support and increase in numbers and the new team look forward to seeing you all during the run. The support of the general public will ensure their continued help to the Priory House Trust in their constant task of restoring the house and to the Macmillan Unit and also help other local charities and further their presentation of Shakespeare in this unique historical setting.
