What better way to spend a glorious midsummer night than watching one of the most popular classic plays unfold with a modern twist? Wallace Hall Academy is pleased to announce a spectacular open-air production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This enticing performance will take place against the backdrop of the beautiful Drumlanrig Castle near Thornhill in rural Nithsdale. The times of the performances are as follows:
Monday 20th June 6.30pm
Tuesday 21st June 6.30pm
Wednesday 22nd June 6.30pm
Tickets are priced at:
Adults £5
Concessions £3
Families £15
This is not the first of this type of performance as Wallace Hall has, for many years, enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Queensberry Estate and his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch. The award-winning Queensberry Initiative links the estate with local schools, and provides the children with the opportunity to take advantage of unique learning possibilities. This partnership has allowed the children to perform the play in an authentic open-air setting, trying to simultaneously imitate the original portrayal of the story, whilst also adding a new flavour to the old classic. It is the culmination of this connection and the work of the Principal Teacher of Expressive Arts at Wallace Hall, Anna Beynon, that has produced such a highly entertaining and accessible production for all to enjoy.
The cast of pupils of all ages have taken a lightly edited version of the original text and incorporated modern elements of dance and music within to the performance. Jane McMillan, Principal Teacher of English says “Shakespeare is for everyone.” McMillan believes that “rather than being elitist or difficult, it is really an inclusive gateway to literacy for people of all age groups and abilities, from our transition groups at primary, right through to our senior pupils taking the lead roles in this show.” The performance will be a fantastic showcase of the talent that Thornhill has to offer, and is definitely not an evening to be missed. A midsummer night you could only dream of.
Early booking is advised as these popular tickets will sell out fast. Avoid disappointment on the night. If you require further information or production photographs please contact Caroline Menzies at Wallace Hall Academy on 01848 332120.
