Barrow is set to welcome the Royal Shakespeare Company with a new 80-minute production of The Tempest aimed at younger audiences and those who have never seen the Bard’s work on stage.
First Encounters: The Tempest is an abridged take on Shakespeare’s original text edited by Aaron Parsons, aimed at seven to 13-year-olds – and those seeing Shakespeare for the first time.
It is hosted by BarrowFull and The Tempest will be staged in Barrow Town Hall on Saturday May 3 at 2pm.
Families can make an afternoon of it as from 12.30pm and after the performance, ticket holders can enjoy Tempest-themed activities.
Artists from Full of Noises will invite people to create Tempest-inspired live soundscapes with wind, water, bird calls and found objects; and there’ll be chance to do some crafting with artist Danielle Chappell-Aspinwall as well as experience the themes of the play with VR headsets and the opportunity to enjoy a Barrovian response to the Tempest with BarrowFull’s Older Adults Creative Group.
Daniel Tyler-McTighe, artistic director of BarrowFull, said: “The first time going to the theatre can be an extremely special moment and lasting memory, and we’re glad that many people will be able to create special memories with their families, with friends or solo, at The Tempest, whether this is their first time seeing Shakespeare – or not!
“Having listened to local people wanting high quality artistic work for families on their doorstep, and being asked by the Royal Shakespeare Company if BarrowFull would be interested in hosting The Tempest, we knew it would be a good fit.”
The tour of First Encounters with Shakespeare: The Tempest is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
The Barrow production is supported by Barrow Town Council and Westmorland and Furness Council.
