Europe’s first Ever Shakespearean Theatre comes to York

Details have been announced, on the week of William Shakespeare’s birthday, for Europe’s FIRST EVER pop-up Shakespearean Theatre – Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre.

Preparations are well underway for a ‘Summer of Shakespeare’ as the theatre will make its debut in the city of York in June.

Originator of the project and CEO of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, James Cundall, said: ” More than 400 years ago, the first audiences for Shakespeare’s plays enjoyed an experience that was as intimate as it was exciting, crowded in close to the actors and the action, in a small theatre in the bustling city of London.

“In Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre an experience every bit as exciting, intimate and immersive will be offered to today’s audiences in a dramatic playhouse setting beside the iconic 13th century Clifford’s Tower in the heart of the historic city of York.”

Four of Shakespeare’s most popular plays will be performed by actors from two different companies during a season of 10 weeks, beginning Monday 25th June:

• Macbeth – A tragedy directed by York Theatre Royal’s Olivier award winning Artistic Director Damian Cruden
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A comedy directed by Associate Director Juliet Forster
• Romeo and Juliet – A tragic love story directed by award-winning Lindsay Posner
• Richard III – A history also directed by Lindsay Posner

Versailles star Alexander Vlahos will play Romeo opposite The Musketeers’ Alexandra Dowling’s Juliet, while Requiem’s Dyfan Dwyfor will play Richard III.

Richard Standing, also seen in Coronation Street and Mamma Mia! will take on the role of Macbeth with York’s Leandra Ashton, also seen in Coronation Street and Holby City, as Lady Macbeth. 

A gender- swapping A Midsummer Night’s Dream will see Antony Bunsee, seen in Eastenders, play Titania with Amanda Ryan, from Shameless, taking the role of Oberon.

The pop-up theatre will be situated next to the iconic York landmark of Clifford’s Tower, with FREE ENTRY to Shakespeare’s village which will offer a special street food menu made by television chef Brian Turner, with Yorkshire street food vendors.

In addition to this there will be locally-made ice cream and a fully licensed bar, all housed in traditional oak-framed and reed-thatched buildings.

Mr Cundall explained: “One of our key aims is to offer comprehensive support for school groups, to encourage young people to see these plays in this space.

“As well as special schools performances and prices we have established the Rose Bursary Scheme whereby schools with limited resources can apply for free tickets.

“With dramatic sword-fights, bubbling cauldrons, wayward fairies, passionate love scenes, gruesome murders, grand poetry an no shortage of fake blood, audiences will experience the comic heights and tragic depths of Shakespearean theatre in a memorable setting.”

Book tickets online.

For full performance schedule and ticket prices, visit: www.shakespearesrosetheatre.com