A Northumberland wildlife charity is set to open up a nature reserve to theatre lovers for a performance of Shakespeare for one night only in June.
Northumberlandia, the largest landform structure of a woman in the world, will host MacHamLear on June 11, a piece of new writing by award-winning playwright Michael Davies. The farcical piece of writing is intended to "shamelessly exploit" the genius of England's most celebrated writer.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust is hosting the play in association with Heartbreak Productions, and both parties are hoping that the audience can help answer the question keeping literary scholars awake at night - which play is the best to have come from the Bard's quill? In the shadow of the Lady of the North, actors will be at the mercy of the audience (and the weather) as they pit Macbeth, Hamlet and King Lear against each other.
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The trust, which manages Northumberlandia alongside the Land Trust, has hosted theatre productions on the site since 2016. Last year, they welcomed cycling Shakespeare performers the Handlebards who performed Twelfth Night.
Liz Lovatt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust communications and engagement manager, said: "Bringing live theatre events to the site means lots more people get to have the Northumberlandia experience. In 2022, over 600 more people visited the site via three theatre productions.
"We are hoping that this year's live theatre events will be just as popular as they are a great way to generate extra revenue from ticket sales which will help us to develop the site further. Northumberlandia is a key site for the Trust to engage with the local community and start people on their wildlife journey, it’s brilliant to have the opportunity to bring cultural and entertainment events to such a wonderful backdrop."
Northumberlandia's Battle of the Bard will take place on Sunday June 11 at 6.30pm, with audience encouraged to grab their deck chair, weather appropriate gear, nibbles and drinks for the outdoor event. For more information on MacHamLear at Northumberlandia, visit the Northumberland Wildlife Trust website.
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