2002 - Chapterhouse Theatre Company

2002

Following its popularity with audiences, venues and actors alike, I decided to tour 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' again, and it has since become a staple of Chapterhouse tours. I chose 'Twelfth Night' as the sister tour to 'Midsummer', as I thought another comedy would be popular, particularly as the humour in 'Twelfth Night' is such a contrast to that of 'The Dream'. Instead of mischievous fairies, you instead have mischievous drunks, a snobbish steward and a woman dressed as a man. All superbly comic stuff, as I am sure you will agree. I said in the programme for 'Twelfth Night / A Midsummer Night's Dream' that I considered myself to be very fortunate to produce theatre at the most beautiful places in Britain, and that still holds true today, perhaps even more so. Richard Main

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare Directed by Karen Crow Duke Orsino is in love with the Countess Olivia, who is in mourning and refuses to see him. Twins Sebastian and Viola are shipwrecked off the coast of Illyria. Both are saved but each believes the other drowned. Fearing the dangers of a strange town, Viola disguises herself as a young man called ‘Cesario’ in order that she might find employment at the Duke Orsino’s court. The Duke, recognising a gentleness in ‘the boy,’ sends Cesario (Viola) to woo Olivia on his behalf, little suspecting that his go-between is in love with him! Olivia’s Uncle, Sir Toby Belch, encourages his totally unsuitable friend, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, to woo his niece. Meanwhile, Olivia’s Steward, Malvolio, has made himself very unpopular because of his puritanical pomposity, and the other members of the household plot together to bring him down a peg or two. Olivia falls in love with ‘Cesario’ and Sir Toby persuades Sir Andrew to challenge his ‘rival’ to a duel. When Sebastian arrives, things really get complicated! Eventually the mix-ups and mistaken identities are resolved. Sebastian is reunited with his twin, who reveals her true identity to the surprised Duke and Countess. Malvolio learns the full extent of the tricks played upon him and swears his revenge.		What the audience said... "Marcus Cooper and Andrew McWilliam...gave superb performances, proving that top quality actors can still be found." "The whole company threw their all into what was a most memorable outdoor performance. Set against a backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean - what could be more perfect a substitute for the shores of Ilyria?!! I wholeheartedly recommend the Chapterhouse Theatre Company. You will be thoroughly entertained." "My first live Shakespeare performance, and I never expected it to be so laugh-out-loud funny! I am now a convert and hope to see another production soon. Brilliant cast and brilliant setting at Durham Castle. Well done to all those involved!"

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare Directed by Karen Crow Theseus, Duke of Athens, is making plans for his wedding to the Amazon Queen, Hippolyta. He is asked to give judgement in a dispute between Egeus and his daughter Hermia; her father wishes her to marry Demetrius, but she is in love with Lysander. Warned of the consequences of her defiance, Hermia agrees to elope with Lysander. The couple confide in Helena, who is herself in love with Demetrius, and tries to win favour in his eyes by telling him of their plans. Meanwhile, in a wood outside the town, an amateur theatrical troupe are rehearsing a play to be performed for the Duke and his bride on their wedding day. The King and Queen of the fairies, Oberon and Titania, have fallen out over a changeling child in Titania’s possession. In revenge for her wilfulness, Oberon uses a love potion to place a spell on his Queen that will cause her to fall madly in love with the first creature that she sees upon waking. Helena has followed Demetrius into the wood. Oberon witnesses an animated exchange between them and vows to help Helena. He orders Puck to use the love potion upon Demetrius, but Puck makes a mistake and it is Lysander who wakes and falls for Helena! Puck causes more havoc by placing an ass’s head upon Bottom the weaver. Titania wakes and sees Bottom! Both Lysander and Demetrius woo Helena and spurn Hermia! Oberon intervenes and the mistakes are rectified and the quarrels resolved. The couples return to Athens for a triple wedding celebration with the Duke and Hippolyta. The festivities are crowned by the performance of 'Pyramus and Thisbe' by Bottom and his friends. At midnight, the couples retire to bed and Oberon and Titania, now reunited, lead the fairies in a blessing.		What the audiences said… "First time theatre-goer, but now a convert - great entertainment! Berri George ("Puck", 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', 2002) is great. Wonder if it's personality, performance or both?" Clive Sherwood "An excellent performance of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Sandon Hall last night by a superb cast, knocked spots off the dreadful RSC version earlier this year, (maybe they could come along and learn a few lessons)." Barry Lillie "I have just seen Shakespeare performed live for the first time. it was simply magical! Thank you so much." Barrie Grimshaw "A truly wonderful English summers evening entertainment. Amazing weather, champagne, picnic basket and a brilliant cast who made us laugh till we cried. Fabulous production of 'MSND' at Holkham Hall - roll on 12th Night - we'll be there!" Dot Blayer "Saw your recent production of 'A Midsummer's Night Dream' at Durham Castle - an excellent night, such an enthusiastic cast. Well done all. I'll be back for 'Twelfth Night'." Pauline Cook
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