Umbrellas have been banned at an upcoming event at Levens Hall – so everyone can enjoy the show.
Levens Hall and Gardens is placing a temporary ban on umbrellas to try to instil a love of Shakespeare amongst the younger generation.
On July 25, it is welcoming the internationally renowned theatre group, The HandleBards for a performance of a Midsummer Night’s Dream on the front lawn of the Elizabethan manor house.
It is thought that a Midsummer Night’s Dream was written between 1594 and 1596. The play was then published in 1600, one year before Elizabeth I’s death. The Bellingham family, who owned Levens Hall and Gardens from 1562 until 1688, were fiercely loyal to Queen Elizabeth I, whose coat of arms can be seen within various ornate features inside the hall.
The HandleBards have already won children over to Shakespeare, by presenting plays in a completely different manner, described as ‘gloriously eccentric and very very funny.” The hope is that they will create a desire amongst local and visiting children, to delve into the Bard’s works and enjoy them to the full.
They can only do that, however, if children can see the HandleBards play unfolding before them, with no umbrellas blocking the view!
Organisers hope the weather on the evening of July 25 will be balmy and ponchos and raincoats will not be needed as wet-weather provision.
If the weather is favourable, families are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy on the Levens Hall and Gardens lawn and can spread out a picnic blanket, or even unfold a chair, for added comfort. Only umbrellas are barred, organisers said.
Levens Hall and Gardens’ owner, Richard Bagot, said: “We have so many glorious Elizabethan features at Levens Hall and Gardens that we really are the perfect setting for one of Shakespeare’s most well-known Elizabethan plays.
“We would encourage families to take the opportunity to introduce their children to Shakespeare’s work, in this fun and engaging way, and to book tickets online, to contribute to the sustainable ethic of the HandleBards.
