Bard in the Yard

In 2020, Bard in the Yard consisted of a selection of Shakespearian monologues. In 2021 it was half-hour versions of Macbeth and Twelfth Night. In 2022 it was a half-hour version of “Romeo and Juliet” plus half an hour of Shakespearian duologues. All were extremely well received and well attended. (and amazingly – DRY!) This year it will be a half-hour “Hamlet” directed by Dick Hebbert and a half-hour “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” directed by Andrew Leggott.

HAMLET – Dick Hebbert writes:

“There’s something rotten in the state of Denmark…Hamlet seeks to avenge the murder of his father at the hands of his uncle, who, having killed Hamlet’s father has married Hamlet’s mother.  In this half hour version, one of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays there’s a ghost, murder most foul, poison, plots, sword fights, a play-within-a-play, graveyards, a skull, two minor characters who later became stars in their own play and more quotable lines than you’ll find in the Oxford Book of English Verse.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM – Andrew Leggott writes:

There’s also a play-within-a-play in this, Shakespeare’s best-loved comedy, as an ill-assorted bunch of rowdy workers aspire to thespian heights, impeded by the King and Queen of the fairies and their followers, led by the mischievous sprite, Puck. Oh, and a certain ass’s head plays a part too. No lovers in this production, to leave more room for the shenanigans of the fairies and mechanicals!

Ilkley Playhouse Wildman Studio

Ilkley Manor House Courtyard