Shakespeare’s Globe Comes To Upton Country Park

Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, supported by the Borough of Poole, ventures outside on 18 – 19 June with a unique theatre performance of As You Like It from the world famous Shakespeare’s Globe in the walled garden at Upton Country Park.

Shakespeare’s Globe will be performing a new production of Shakespeare’s delightful comedy As You Like It, with a small troupe of actors presenting a stripped down version of Shakespeare’s enchanting play in this beautiful open air setting, reviving the old Globe principle of outdoor playing.

Rosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, falls in love with Orlando at a wrestling match, but her usurping uncle, jealous of her popularity, banishes her from court. Disguised as a boy she seeks out her father and his friends in the Forest of Arden. Here she meets Orlando again, and under the guise of a young man, counsels him in the art of love.

A handful of travelling players breathes new life into this favourite among Shakespeare’s comedies on an Elizabethan style stage, evoking the touring tradition of the Globe’s forefathers.

Artistic Director Dominic Dromgoole says; “The Globe was born out of a touring company culture, and that culture remained vital to it while it flourished. It was with great pride that we resurrected this tradition in summer 2007 after a 400 year break, and we are delighted to be visiting so many stunning venues again this year, including Upton Country Park.”

Under the leadership of Dominic Dromgoole, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre season plays in repertory from April to October annually, and has gained an international reputation for performance excellence. The regional tours have gained an enthusiastic following in the UK and Europe, and 2011 marks the Globe’s fifth year of this popular summer event.