New outdoor theatre will open with Shakespeare play

THE opening of a new outdoor theatre in Westbury will be celebrated with a performance by Shakespeare’s classic Much Ado About Nothing next month. 

Internationally acclaimed theatre group, Illyria will be performing a Gala Performance in The Coach Pit, a specially designed theatre in the picturesque grounds of Heywood House in Westbury. 

“With the gradual ease out of lockdown bringing the longer days and lighter evenings, why not take advantage of the better weather and the easing of guidelines by attending an outdoor performance of the Shakespeare classic, Much Ado About Nothing,” says a spokesperson for Illyria. 

“In previous years, this event would have been held at Manor Farm, Corsley, but in order to lift restrictions on numbers, as well as removing any Covid concerns, the show moves from the indoor playhouse at Corsley to the outdoor Coach Pit at Heywood House this year.   

“Heywood House is a classic country estate, transformed into dedicated offices and co-working space for the business community. The estate is situated in 30 acres of glorious grounds and parklands and benefits from stunning views of the Westbury White Horse and beyond.   

“Heywood House has a fascinating history of over 400 years, from its founder, Sir James Ley to an auxiliary war hospital, to The National Trust’s Finance Director. With links to Shakespeare himself, one of the previous owners, Sir Henry Danvers is thought to have been the inspiration behind some of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, due to a local dispute between two feuding families becoming an international fiasco and resulting in the Danvers brothers being exiled to France!  

“This will be a Gala Performance to celebrate the opening of a specially designed theatre, to the East of the Mansion, situated behind the stunning walled garden, converted from a pit where previous owner, Baron Ludlow, once had his coach and horses washed after a long journey! 

“Come enjoy the show, stroll around the grounds, enjoy a cream tea, soak up the history, and sip on a prosecco in the interval whilst hearing more about the story and the link between historic Heywood House and William Shakespeare. The gates open at 2:00pm, with the performance beginning at 3:00pm, please bring along your own chair or picnic rug to sit on.” 

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.  

Tickets: £16 Adults, £14 Heywood House Members, £12 Children (9-15), Cream Teas £5 per person . 

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.theelizabethanplayhouse.com