Shakespeare performance for opening of new outdoor theatre

A GALA Shakespeare performance and cream tea event will celebrate the grand opening of a unique theatre and the easing of lockdown, in the picturesque Heywood House estate.

Internationally acclaimed group, Illyria, will present Much Ado About Nothing on Sunday 5th September in the theatre which has been specially created in an ancient coach washing pit.

Estate landlord, Chris da Costa, said, “Heywood House, a hidden gem near Westbury, 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.

“Today, this classic country estate has been transformed into dedicated offices and co-working space for the business community. It provides meeting rooms, venue hire, catering, talks and conferences, a members’ café and 30 acres of glorious private grounds.

“Within these grounds, the team at Heywood House unearthed an ancient structure, buried underneath tons of silt, fallen trees and bog for near on 100 years. These sunken walls were last in use when Baron Ludlow was in residence, for this was once a pit for washing the Baron’s coach and horses. 

“What we had discovered was a rare brick-lined coach washing pit, supplied with continual running water from a maze of underground springs. Close by is the Victorian pump house, which used the gravity-fed water from the White Horse hills across the valley to supply water for the servants living in the top floor of the mansion. There was water everywhere. The first task was to tame it. This pit would have no use if it gave everyone wet feet.

“After months of renovating, construction and landscaping, the coach pit has now been transformed into a unique and spacious outdoor theatre.

“This special event invites all to come to the show, stroll 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.”

Gates will open at 2pm for a 3pm start. Tickets cost £16 for adults, £14 for Heywood House members, £12 for children (aged nine to 15), and cream teas are £5 per person. To book and for more information go to www.heywoodhouse.com/whats-on

There is thought to be a close link between the estate and Shakespeare himself. The Danvers family, who owned Heywood House in the 16th century, is thought to have been the inspiration behind one of The Bard’s 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. 

See the website heywoodhouse.com for more details.