A NEW outdoor theatre in Westbury opened with a sold-out gala performance of Shakespeare’s comedic classic ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ on Sunday 5th September.
Internationally acclaimed theatre group, Illyria, brought an energetic and captivating show to a balmy afternoon at The Coach Pit, a specially-designed theatre in the picturesque grounds of Heywood House.
The coach pit had been used by previous owner Baron Ludlow for the washing of his coach and horses after a long journey, and after its discovery by the Heywood House team months of renovating, construction and landscaping transformed it into a unique and spacious outdoor theatre.
Introducing the event from the cleverly designed stage, estate landlord Chris de Costa said, “This is our first performance here. I would like to thank Hayley, Jolene and the team for the amazing amount of work they’ve done to make this happen. I would to thank you [the audience] for coming here. When we acquired Heywood House about 15 years ago, where we are now was unimaginable: we hadn’t a clue the coach pit existed.”
He spoke about Shakespeare’s links to Heywood House, which has a fascinating history spanning 400 years.
Built in 1603 by James Ley, the first Earl of Marlborough and Lord High Treasurer to King James I, it has housed four earls, two barons, two knights, several MPs, socialites, philanthropists, wounded soldiers of WWI, and the administrative HQ of the National Trust.
The link between the estate and Shakespeare himself is that the Danvers family, who owned Heywood House in the 16th century, is thought to have been the inspiration behind one of his greatest plays, Romeo and Juliet.
In 1594, there was a notorious feud between the family and the neighbouring Long family. One night, brothers Henry and Charles Danvers burst in on brothers Henry and Sir Walter Long at dinner in Corsham and shot dead Henry Long. As a result, Henry and Charles Danvers were banished to France and outlawed.
At the theatre opening, Illyria’s talented cast of five – Nicola Foxfield, Chris Laishley, Rachel O’Hare, David Sayers and Chris Wills – directed by Oliver Gary, played the comedic tale’s 16 characters with brilliant gusto, smoothly undertaking costume and character changes to fulfil all the parts.
The story of misunderstandings, love and deception is set in Messina and centres around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrive in the town: Claudio and Hero’s coupling is nearly altered by the accusations of the villain, Don John, and the second romance, between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice, takes centre stage as the performance goes on, with both characters’ wit and banter providing much of the humour.
Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked into believing that Hero is not a maiden (virgin). The title’s play on words references the secrets and trickery that form the backbone of the play’s comedy, intrigue, and action.
The 150-strong audience seated in the theatre pit and on blankets under trees also enjoyed refreshments including Prosecco in the interval and cream teas after the two-and-a-half-hour event.
Chris da Costa added, “As this was our first event in The Pit, there was some trepidation on how many people we could comfortably accommodate.
“We took a cautious approach and put up the “Sold Out” sign when the number reached 320. So, we were delighted to see where guests chose to sit and still hear the actors. It means that, with a few alterations, we can accommodate at least 400 for next year’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“My other thoughts were the smiling faces of the audience as they left, and the praise they gave the Heywood Team.”
Now in its 30th year, Illyria has delighted audiences the length and breadth of the UK, and in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France and the United States and Canada, performing some of the most well-loved productions on offer. The company has won 4 international “Best Performance” awards and attracted numerous ‘5-star” and ‘Critics’ Choice” reviews for the lively clarity of its approach to Shakespeare’s plays and other performances.
Illyria will be returning to the Coach Pit Theatre next year to perform ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ – keep an eye on the venue’s website for information about when they will be coming.
For information go to www.heywoodhouse.com or www.illyria.co.uk
Picture by Stuart Crocker Photography.
