Branching out with Shakespeare (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Branching out with Shakespeare

AN amateur theatre community group is taking Shakespeare into the North Cotswold countryside as part of Gloucestershire County Council's Adult Learners' Week.

The group, known as Amateur Community Theatre Company (ACT), is presenting an evening called Brush Up Your Shakespeare, based around the works of The Bard.

The two-night entertainment revue is supported by Adult Continuing Education and Training (ACET) in Gloucestershire, and has had input from the Cheltenham Playhouse, the University of Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire Dance Project.

"A few of us who have acted together at the Playhouse came up with the idea of making Shakespeare more accessible to the wider community and it seemed to fit in perfectly with the concept of Adult Learners' Week.

"The show is a light-hearted revue, which includes sketches, songs and dances that are all based on the Bard's work.

"It will be a fun evening and we hope that it will help people to realise just how entertaining Shakespeare can be," said Catherine Marshall, continuing education manager at the University of Gloucestershire.

The two shows are being presented at Guiting Power Village Hall on Friday, May 17 and at St George's Hall, Blockley, on Saturday, May 18, both at 8pm.

Tickets are free and places can be booked by telephoning 01242 532737.