The words of William Shakespeare will echo around Norwich Cathedral’s Cloister once again as the open-air Shakespeare Festival returns for summer 2021.
After last year’s festival was postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Cathedral is looking forward to welcoming back The Lord Chamberlain’s Men this July to perform a powerful production of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.
Macbeth will take to the stage in the historic surrounds on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 July and tickets go on sale via the Cathedral website on Tuesday 6 April.
Keeping people safe continues to be the number one priority at Norwich Cathedral and the Cathedral has achieved Visit England and Visit Britain’s official We’re Good To Go mark, which highlights Covid-secure venues.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men’s production is also registered as See It Safely compliant, meaning the production strictly adheres to all government and industry Covid safety guidance and every effort is being made to protect audiences and company members at all times.
Peter Stickney, TLCM’s Artistic Director, said audiences could expect a “thrill-ride from start to finish” with their latest production.
He said: “I am incredibly excited to be amongst the first in the country to bring live theatre back to audiences. We have been lucky enough to make and enjoy theatre in special outdoor settings for many years and I hope those looking to once again experience top-quality theatre will join us to enjoy this unique theatrical experience.”
“One of Shakespeare’s shortest plays, this intense and passionate story really benefits from this treatment. Expect sword fights, stunning poetry, smoke, fire and drums as this epic play gets our usual epic treatment; I can’t wait for our audience, those new to us and those we are welcoming back, to see it.”
A gripping tale of supernatural magic, vaulting ambition and the perils of an insatiable lust for power, Macbeth puts the spotlight on one of Shakespeare’s most chilling couples.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are a modern day incarnation of the Bard’s own travelling troupe of players, and they will be performing Macbeth just as it would have been played out in Shakespeare’s day – with an all-male cast, full Elizabethan costumes and traditional music and dance.
The Norwich Cathedral shows are always something of a homecoming for Peter Stickney as he grew up nearby in Saxlingham Nethergate, went to Long Stratton High and Hewett School, and first developed his love of theatre while acting in high school shows.
He said there was a real magic to watching Shakespeare performed in the open air.
“Experiencing Shakespeare’s productions outside, where he first saw them, is a truly special thing.
“As the light fades and the moon shines bright, it is thrilling to think that we are looking at the same moon Shakespeare did whilst we listen to the words he wrote more than 400 years ago.”
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men will perform Macbeth in Norwich Cathedral’s Cloister on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 July 2021 at 7pm. On both nights, doors will open at 6pm for people to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of the Cloister before the show.
Tickets cost £20. Concessions (over 60s, NUS and under 16s) £18. To book, visit cathedral.org.uk/shakespeare
Seating is provided but unreserved and the performance will run straight through with no interval.