Rehearsals have begun for this year’s open-air Shakespeare production of Stafford Gatehouse Theatre‘s ROMEO + JULIET, which is expected to draw 10,000 people to Stafford Castle this June.
A huge 25-metre stage is being built at the grounds of Stafford Castle, complete with trapdoors, moving sets and hidden entrances for the 30th anniversary production. A new seating layout will bring the audience closer than ever to the action, which takes place between warring families in Verona.
Featuring a superb cast including Madeleine Leslay (BBC Radio’s The Archers), Tom Lane, Tom Vaughan and Gill Jordan, this stunning version of Shakespeare’s classic love story pulls no punches.
Welcome to a summer of love, murder, betrayal and tragedy at Stafford Castle.
What if your true love was someone you’d been brought up to hate?
Ripped apart by the bitter rivalry of their parents, two young people will risk everything to be together.
The most famous story of love at first sight explodes with intense passion and an irresistible desire for change.
Will this spark a revolution or will division continue to tear through generations?
Directed by Tim Ford, the drama of ROMEO + JULIET unfolds as an unflinching spectacle, visually creative and superbly added to by a swirling soundtrack.
When is ROMEO + JULIET and where will it be held?
The show will be performed from 24 June to 9 July 2022 at Stafford Castle. It is an open-air production to mark the 30th anniversary of Stafford Shakespeare events and will be a landmark occasion in every sense. Shows will be on at 8pm while the matinee show starts at 2pm. Please check the website on exact timing details.
How much are the tickets and how do I book them?
Tickets for the performances are priced at £35 (Concession tickets are priced at £32). Tickets can be booked by calling the Gatehouse Theatre Box Office on 01785 619080 or by visiting their website here. Do note, age suitability for this show is 11+
Where is Stafford Castle?
Stafford Castle is located on Newport Road, Stafford, ST16 1DJ. There is no charge to park on the car park, however there is a donation box if visitors wish to make a donation.
About Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre offers a range of touring shows and in-house productions, covering big name acts and top touring companies to home-grown talent and our popular summer school shows.
They also produce the prestigious annual Stafford Shakespeare production, which marks its 30th year this summer with ROMEO + JULIET in the grounds of Stafford Castle, drawing thousands of visitors from all over the UK and beyond.
They have two performance spaces: the main auditorium, with a seating capacity of 545 and adaptable space of The MET Studio, which can seat up to 140 guests in a number of configurations.
During the day, the theatre houses a smart new coffee shop (Mon-Sat 10am-3pm) offering top quality drinks and snacks in a beautiful setting, complete with free upgraded Wi-Fi and USB charging points.
At night, the theatre’s bar is the perfect place for a pre-show drink or post-show chat – often with the stars of the production popping in.
The theatre also houses Stafford’s Visitor Information Service, with a touch-screen information centre and helpful staff, where you can find information on regional and national events. Open: Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5.30pm.
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