Shakespeare With Sheps will see Maidstone-based Changeling Theatre perform Shakespeare comedy Love’s Labour’s Lost during its outdoor summer theatre tour in two of Shepherd Neame’s Kent pub gardens, which is the first time the pubco has staged theatre at its pubs.
The first performance will be at the Three Mariners in Oare, near Faversham, on Thursday 13 July at 7.30pm, when theatre fans will be able to savour the rural setting when the show takes place in the pub’s tiered garden.
The second will be at the Belle Vue Tavern in Ramsgate on Wednesday 26 July, also at 7.30pm, with the ‘Balcony of Kent’ as a backdrop, overlooking Pegwell Bay and out to the English Channel.
Brilliant venues
Best known for its hugely successful open-air tour each summer, the Changeling Theatre has staged Shakespeare’s most popular plays in locations ranging from castles to gardens and even beaches.
It will be the company’s 22nd season this year and the tour runs throughout July and August, with venues across the south-east announced to coincide with World Theatre Day (Monday 27 March).
Shepherd Neame managing director of pubs Jonathon Swaine said: “It’s really exciting to be bringing live theatre to two of our pub gardens this summer – and what brilliant venues to see Shakespeare in.”
Fabulously creative
Swaine continued: “The Belle Vue Tavern and the Three Mariners are fantastic locations to sit back and enjoy the show while soaking up the atmosphere in their gardens. The Changeling Theatre are known for their lively, fun and fabulously creative shows and we can’t wait to add two of their performances of Love’s Labour’s Lost to our offer for our customers this summer.”
Artistic director of the Changeling Theatre, Rob Forknall, said: “We’re excited to welcome Shepherd Neame to our list of stunning venues across the south-east and beyond this summer where we will be staging our summer tour.
“We see Love’s Labour’s Lost as Shakespeare does Bridgerton. If you loved the Netflix series then this show is perfect for you.”
Widely believed to be the prequel to Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s comedy, Love’s Labour’s Lost, promises luscious costumes and a few surprises, including an original music collaboration with Kent arts festival, Jam on the Marsh.
