“The Rain it Raineth Every Day” – Summer Shakespeare soaked but unstoppable!
Shakespeare returns to Newark with an open air production of the comedy Much Ado About Nothing.
Nottingham Shakespeare Company will perform a one-off performance on Thursday, August 17 at 7pm in Newark’s Riverside Park.
Despite a decidedly soggy summer so far, the company is not letting the wet weather dampen their spirit and are determined to perform come rain or shine.
Much Ado About Nothing has been well reviewed with East Midlands Theatre, calling it “superbly done”, “hilarious” and “very entertaining”, and culture magazine, LeftLion, describing it as “a joy to behold.”
The company are returning to Newark after their last visit, on July 14, was hit by heavy rain falling continuously from 6am until the evening performance.
Despite the weather the performance went ahead to a hardcore audience of dedicated Shakespeare fans and much applause.
Producer, Rachel Pillsbury, said: “We wanted to give everyone in Newark a second chance to enjoy quality, accessible Shakespeare.
“Nottingham Shakespeare Company will always perform, rain or shine —we love it too much not to.”
Although remaining positive, a rainy summer is a potential disaster for the company which survive on donations.
“That’s the only problem with providing this for free,” says Rachel.
“If people haven’t bought tickets, they’re much less likely to get their ponchos and umbrellas out than if they were attending something that cost £25 a head.
“For us though, it’s vitally important everyone has the chance to discover and experience Shakespeare, even if that means the company is taking a big risk.”