[T]he summer company of actors at Theatre by the Lake come from all over the UK to be part of the rep season – but when they’re not busy busting their acting chops on stage, they’re out enjoying everything the Lake District has to offer, from intrepidly exploring the fells to sampling delicious local cuisine. After a summer of adventuring, they’ve decided to tell all about their personal highlights and experiences.
Up fell and down dale
‘I’ve loved the fells and hills surrounding Derwentwater. Having been granted the opportunity of working in the most beautiful place in England, it would be completely naive not to make the most of the beautiful surroundings. I have enjoyed walks on Catbells, Skiddaw, Latrigg, High Spy and Blencathra, and will no doubt do more before I leave.’ Nathan Hamilton, Orlando in As You Like It
‘I loved climbing Causey Pike, in the rain, my favourite fell so far. And as we scrambled, 10 seconds from the peak, in the rain, the first people we’d seen in 2 hours called ‘Rosalind’ from above. It’s not often you meet people that enjoyed the show on top of a fell in the rain!’ Jess Hayles, Rosalind in As You Like It
‘One of my favourite outings on a show day is to walk from my digs in High Hill with my lovely landlady, Sylvia Pilling, through the Newlands Valley along the beautiful Newlands Beck, ending up with a late lunch at Lingholm. I love the walled garden and they serve a good Eggs Benedict.’ Eliza Hunt, the modern Queen in Handbagged
Rainy day activities
‘I love the Alhambra cinema. Cup of coffee, comfy seats, local adverts, cheap tickets and snacks, watching a movie should always be an experience. In the Alhambra it is an experience.’ Alex Parry, Duke Frederick and Duke Senior in As You Like It
‘I love Grasmere. The Daffodil Hotel and Spa is glorious. I stayed for a few days and had mud treatments. I visited Dove Cottage and Allan Bank there, which are both beautiful, and ate my own body weight in raspberry fudge from The Chocolate Shop’ Emma Carter, the younger Queen in Handbagged
‘Carlisle Castle and Cathedral. Only a 45 minute bus journey, the historic sites were a real treat for this classical-studies geek. I loved exploring the city and reading up on what has come to pass in the once important Roman settlement’ Nathan Hamilton
Gearing up
‘Thank you to George Fisher for refusing to sell my daughter walking shoes because they couldn’t fit her very narrow feet. They sent us to the Keswick Boot Store which could help her. Impressive customer service.’ Julia Watson, the modern Margaret Thatcher in Handbagged
‘Love Cheri Didi! Picked my birthday presents there and when my mum came up I dragged her in there! Best fingerless gloves ever… saved me up a very cold trip on Striding Edge!’ Charlotte Hamblin, Miss Julie in Miss Julie
Dining out and baked wonders
‘I don’t think I’ve tasted a brownie as good as they make in The Fellpack and the staff are awesome. Also loved the fish and chips, especially overlooking the Lake from Surprise View. I’ve tried all the fish and chips and my favourite is actually in the residential area, just off Penrith Road! ’ Jess Hayles
‘Had very good lunch at the Kirkstile Inn in Lowes Water. Watched a sheepdog working on the fell outside the window as I ate my Tatie Pot. Another company member asked if there were any dairy-free puddings. She was offered several – including soya ice-cream.’ Ian Barritt, Peter Solverson in Remarkable Invisible
‘Cafes: The Fellpack – great sandwiches and terrific coffee. Thanks to Magnolia for being so wonderfully hospitable to us after the show. Kat’s veggie cafe on the bridge has saved my life. I’m dairy intolerant but love cake – their vegan cakes are fantastic. Also their BLTs made with vegan bacon. Important to have go-to good cafes when you’re away from home for so long and living in digs.’ Julia Watson
Gone adventuring
‘I’ve loved going kayaking regularly. Perfect when the sun is shining and a great way to blow off steam if you’re missing home. Top it off with an amazing brekky at the Nicol End Marina, and it doesn’t get much better’ Jess Hayles
‘A major highlight for me has been the (almost) weekly paddle boarding from Derwent Marina – followed by brunch at The Chalet.’ Alex Parry
‘We went camping in Buttermere on Syke Farm. We drove out after After the Dance, drove down Honister Pass and woke up a few Herdwicks who didn’t look too impressed! Waking up by the river there was magical and the Syke Farm cream tea was amazing!’ Charlotte Hamblin
Theatre by the Lake is one of the only theatres in the country to show plays in a rep season, meaning our actors truly get to experience and explore Cumbria as they spend four months here over the summer. There’s just one month left to catch them on the Theatre by the Lake stage – which means they’ve got just one month left to make the most of this beautiful place. If you think they’ve left something off their list, let us know!
The Summer Season 2017 Theatre by the Lake company of actors will be here until 4 November in After the Dance, Handbagged, As You Like It, Miss Julie and Remarkable Invisible. Find out more or book at www.theatrebythelake.com or by calling Box Office on 017687 74411.
