On a sunny summer evening what better place to be than in the picturesque grounds of a ruined castle, sipping champagne as you sit back and enjoy an open air production of one of Shakespeare's best-loved plays? Well, it may or may not be sunny, and your tipple may be elderflower cordial rather than champagne, but you see where I'm going with this.
But we have a super ruined castle here in the middle of Abergavenny, with glorious views from its grassy mounds across the river Usk over to the Blorenge and the Sugar Loaf, and this is where you can enjoy an evening of sparkling open-air theatre this coming Saturday, 25th June.
The touring company Illyria are bringing us their famed production of Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identity, Twelfth Night. Those who have seen Illyria’s productions in the past – last year they gave us their version of Pride and Prejudice – will know what energy and enthusiasm this versatile troupe of actors bring to the stage.
We are guaranteed romance, music and laughter, and Twelfth Night is a marvellous play. Young lovers, mistaken identity, tricks and teases: Sounds a good mix for an evening’s entertainment, doesn’t it?
If you have time, pop into some of our great local food providers and pack a hamper for an outdoor feast . Then get a crowd of friends and family along to Abergavenny Castle grounds early with your picnic. Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start. Be sure to take something to sit on and don’t forget that there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing.
But if the dark clouds threaten to bring a real deluge the event will be transferred into the Borough Theatre, so your evening’s enjoyment is still guaranteed. But please don't get butter on the seats...