Shakespeare In Love
July 2025
2025 summer production - a sumptuous stage adaptation of the much-loved movie ‘Shakespeare in Love’!
Written by Lee Hall (Billy Elliot), this faithful yet hilarious adaptation of the original Oscar-winning screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, will tour five local venues from July 1 - 5 2025, including TCR The Hub, and the grounds of the spectacular Raby Castle.
​Shakespeare in Love follows young Will Shakespeare, a penniless playwright struggling with writer’s block. In debt to theatre owner Philip Henslowe, Will must produce a new comedy, “Romeo and Ethel the Pirate’s Daughter.”
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Expect sword fights, mistaken identities, forbidden love, and plenty of laughs in this enchanting celebration of theatre. Our outdoor performances provide the perfect backdrop to bring Shakespeare’s world to life, blending historical accuracy with imaginative flair.
Don’t miss this chance to see one of the greatest romantic comedies ever staged!
The production will be directed by Gordon Duffy-McGhie and features a new stage design, created by Bethany Nutley & Emily Harrington, the winners of our innovative Theatre Design Competition.
A Farewell from Will
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To the noble Players of The Castle, whose hearts burn bright with passion and whose tongues do speak with grace — I doff my cap.
Thou hast made merry with my words, and spun them out with such sweet soul and mirth that even the stars did lean in closer to hear.
Upon community greens, with church steeple and sheep to Raby's castle shadows, thou didst breathe new life into love’s labour — and for that, I am most heartily thankful.
Now must the page turn.
As the quill is set down on this fair summer’s tale, I pass thee on to a playwright of another age — one Master Arthur Miller, whose fire yet burns with purpose.
Go now, and give voice to his Crucible at St Mary’s this October, where shadows shall speak and truth shall tremble.
Let not thy spirits fade, dear troupe, but rise once more with courage bold and voices clear.
For though the curtain falls, the play goes ever on — and thou, sweet players, art its beating heart.
I take my leave with joy and pride.
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Your servant in ink and imagination,
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William Shakespeare