Shakespeare under the stars at the Ludlow Festival
Set in rolling Shropshire countryside the bustling market town of Ludlow, with its medieval ruined castle, is home each summer to the thriving Ludlow Festival.
Festival highlight is always the open air Shakespeare within the castle grounds, which begins during daylight and ends under a starry night sky. For 2010, the play will be Othello, which will be performed throughout the festival (26th June to 11th July).
This year visitors will be treated to not one, but two performances thanks to students from Ludlow Senior School who will entertain the picnic crowds with their very own take on the Bard’s work at each of the matinee shows.
But there’s plenty more to entertain during the two-week festival, including a model animation workshop by Jim Parkyn from Aardman studios, creators of Wallace and Gromit, plus comedy with Arthur Smith, An Audience with Melvyn Bragg and a chance to meet the Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
Among the more unusual musical treats will be the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, a fun gigging orchestra bringing your favourite sounds all through the medium of… the ukulele. A concert not to be missed on 9th July is by talented award winning duo, The Scott Brothers – Jonathon playing the world famous Snetzler Organ and Tom a specially hired Steinway piano.
While for youngsters, A Children’s Musical Mystery Tour, (aimed at five to 12-year-olds) takes the audience on a lively musical journey back in time.
And the event comes to a spectacular finale with the Pop Concert with Grand Firework Display at Ludlow Castle on 11th July with the ever-popular music of Queen and The Eagles, courtesy of world famous tribute bands.
Ludlow has a long tradition of performing arts, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries when Ludlow Castle was the Headquarters of the Council of the Marches.
The first Ludlow Festival production was in 1960 with A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ directed by David Williams with just three supporting events. The Festival grew rapidly and by the 1980s there were about 25 other events being staged each year. Today the programme includes classical music, well known speakers, tours, jazz and popular music.
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