News
from Historic Royal Palaces
www.hrp.org.uk
Source: Amber Overby, Brock Communications

Archived press release

ABOVE: West Front of Hampton Court Palace.

Shakespeare returns to Hampton Court Palace to celebrate 400th anniversary

LONDON – The Shakespeare Globe Theatre in London will be performing three works of Shakespeare in the Hampton Court Palace Great Hall this July in celebration of William Shakespeare’s debut performance before King James I at Hampton Court Palace in 1604. Tickets are now on sale.

As part of the lavish Christmas and New Year festivities of 1603-4, King James I hosted dramatic performances in the Great Hall of Hampton Court Palace by the King’s Men. The most famous member of the company was William Shakespeare, who was one of the King’s Men who provided dramatic entertainment in the palace’s Great Hall for the assembled royal court, probably acting in his very own A Midsummer Night’s Dream on New Year’s Eve.

This July Hampton Court Palace is collaborating with the world-renowned Shakespeare’s Globe to give people the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of the Stuart court and watch Shakespeare’s plays being performed in the palace’s Great Hall – the very room where Shakespeare ‘trod the boards’ for James I 400 years ago. Three of the bard’s most famous works will be performed by the Globe Theatre company, who will be taking the place of the King’s Men: Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing and Measure for Measure.

Shakespeare Globe artistic director Mark Rylance said, "I am delighted that the Globe Theatre Company has been invited to perform in the magnificent setting of Hampton Court Palace’s Great Hall. It is a unique and thrilling opportunity. The King’s Men often travelled between the Globe and the playing halls at Whitehall, Richmond and Hampton Court. Thanks to the care and imagination of Historic Royal Palaces which conserves Hampton Court Palace we can all explore together a true original playing space of Shakespeare’s day."

Still counted as one of the Queen’s royal houses, Hampton Court Palace has been home to Kings and Queens since the reign of Henry VIII. With more than 500 years of royal history, Hampton Court Palace has something to offer everyone. Set in sixty acres of world famous gardens, the Palace is a living tapestry of history from Henry VIII to George II. From the elegance of the recently restored eighteenth century Privy Garden to the domestic reality of the Tudor Kitchens, visitors are taken back through the centuries to experience the Palace as it was when royalty was in residence.

ROMEO & JULIET - Can love blossom despite a family feud and the threat of death? The star-crossed lovers take their chance and peace for Verona is disturbed once more. The role of Juliet will be performed by Kananu Kirimi.

July 6 7:30 p.m.
July 7 7:30 p.m.
July 8 2:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
July 9 7:30 p.m.
July 10 7:30 p.m.
July 11 2:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING - Thoughts turn from war to love and plans are afoot to bring about an unlikely pairing. A stubborn battle of wit and will must surely follow. (An all female cast will perform).

July 13 7:30 p.m.
July 14 7:30 p.m.
July 15 2:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
July 16 7:30 p.m.
July 18 2:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
July 20 7:30 p.m

MEASURE FOR MEASURE - Vienna is out of control. With the Duke’s sudden departure the city falls into corrupt hands. Can love and justice survive? The role of the Duke will be played by Mark Rylance.

July 21 7:30 p.m.
July 22 7:30 p.m.
July 23 7:30 p.m.
July 24 2:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION – Tickets will go on sale on Monday February 16, 2004
Prices:

£60 $115*
£50 $95
£35 $65
£15 $30 (standing)

Matinee performance tickets will include a general admission ticket to Hampton Court Palace.

* Approximate value in U.S. dollars at press time.

To order tickets:

Telephone: 011 44 870 890 5500 (tickets are subject to a booking fee)

In person: Hampton Court Palace ticket office (no booking fee)

Historic Royal Palaces is a registered charity, which is responsible for the care and conservation of: The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, The State Apartments and Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Kensington Palace, The Banqueting House at Whitehall and Kew Palace with Queen Charlotte’s Cottage.

For more information on these London landmarks and other special events, please access Historic Royal Palaces’ web sites at: www.hrp.org.uk.

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Text source: Amber Overby, Brock Communications.
Photo copyright © Historic Royal Palaces.
Used by permission.

 

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