Crediton will, once again, host a large outdoor Shakespeare production. Rehearsals are underway for Twelfth Night, set in a modern day music festival, to be performed in the Town Square from 3rd to 6th July.
Shakespeare in the Square is a well established tradition in Crediton, started in 1995 by the formidable duo of Peter Hamilton (artistic director) and Rod Brookes-Hocking (producer). Both men unfortunately died within weeks of each other in 2022. Their creative talent and energy are much missed by the community, but their spirit lives on, and a new team has taken up the mantle of the challenge.
Rachel Vowles is artistic director. She has huge experience in community theatre, having worked with a number of companies, including as director of the Northcott’s Young Company. Kate Lock is the producer, having worked under Rod and Peter for their last few productions.
Twelfth Night is a joyous romp of a play, women dress up as men, everyone falls in love with someone who is someone else, there is much hilarity as the haughty Malvolio gets his comeuppance from the spiteful but clever Maria. But in the tradition of a good Shakespeare comedy (twins, shipwreck, you know the score!) all is resolved happily in the end.
Rachel is brimming with ideas. ‘We are going with a theme of a music festival. Olivia (female lead) is a bit of a rock star, Orsino (male lead) is a hippy, drunk on love for Cesario (Viola dressed as a boy). There will be lots of stewards, helping the audience to understand the play, much silliness, bunting and festoons! It’s going to be a lot of fun!’
Kate is keen to get people along to the show. ‘We really hope lots of people who never thought Shakespeare was for them, that it was stuck up and fusty, will come along and have a great night!’
You are sure to recognise some of the actors – they are all from the local area, all amateurs. Crediton has a great tradition of performance, not just in Shakespeare, but in CODS and the ArtsCentre’s regular band of players – the Brown Paper Bag Theatre Company. Support for the show has come from the Town Council, Mid Devon District Council and Devon County Council.
So come along and enjoy a night of confusion, merriment and great fun.
The show runs from 3rd to 6thJuly at 7.30pm
Tickets are on sale from here
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