Liverpool Shakespeare Festival returns for 2011 This summer sees the highly anticipated return of the Liverpool Shakespeare Festival.
The festival, brainchild of Lodestar Theatre Company, starts on the August 25 and closes on September 11.
The centrepiece of 2011 is Shakespeare’s most famous love story, Romeo and Juliet, which will be performed in St George’s Hall Small Concert Room.
Launching in 2006 the Liverpool Shakespeare Festival has gone on to become bigger and better each year and for 2011 each of the productions take place in one of Liverpool’s most iconic structures, St. Georges Hall.
Alongside Romeo and Juliet, the festival will also entail a unique twist on Richard III and a series of youth arts projects with Breathe, Wake, Belong; a collection of three performances based on the history of gang culture in Liverpool during the 19th century Liverpool.
Max Rubin, Director and founder of Lodestar Theatre Company said; “Romeo & Juliet is the world’s greatest love story and we will use every secret corner of this unique performance space to create a truly unforgettable production.
“Expect stunning performances, breathtaking design and a haunting original score from award-winning composer David Ben Shannon. There are plenty of other events too from Contemporary dance and Verbatim theatre to something we’re calling ‘Combat Shakespeare’ – a performance of Richard III like no other. We’ve packed more Bard into this festival than ever before!”
This year’s festival has been made possible with the support and funding from a number of organisations and trusts. Heritage Lottery Fund, the Foyle Foundation, Police Property Act, Awards for all, Eleanor Rathbone Foundation and the Arts Council have all shown their support and belief in local arts and have helped fund this year’s Liverpool Shakespeare Festival.
Lodestar Theatre Company is committed to showcasing the very best in local talent; Rachel Rae, best known for cult TV shows Misfits on Channel 4 and BBC Three’s Lunch Monkey’s, takes on the role of Juliet, in Romeo and Juliet.
A LIPA graduate like many of the other actors, Rachel also starred in Lodestar’s version of A Midsummer’s Night Dream at the 2008 Liverpool Shakespeare Festival.
Simon Hedger, Producer added; “This year's festival is centred on how these amazing stories still say so much about our lives. We've used Romeo & Juliet as a starting point for a whole range of events across several mediums designed to showcase the amazing diversity of talent within the city - there is something for everyone. 'Shakespeare for the 21st century!”
Liverpool Shakespeare festival runs from 25th August to 11th September 2011; for more information please visit http://www.liverpoolshakespearefestival.com/