Ford supports Globe’s first tour in 400 years

This summer Shakespeare's Globe is embarking on its first tour in 400 years with an exciting version of Romeo and Juliet – helped along the way by Ford.

The loan of two Ford Transit vans, a Ford Transit minibus and a Ford Fiesta helps the troupe of actors and crew of Romeo and Juliet transport themselves and the production around the tour's collection of castles, parks and gardens across Britain. The tour set off from the Globe in June and ends with a performance at the "home of cricket", Lords Cricket Ground, on 2 September.

The Globe’s relationship with Ford began before the Globe Theatre was completed in 1997, with a gift which enabled the building of the famous Bankside Gates. Since then, Ford has sponsored individual theatre productions, including The Merchant of Venice (1998), The Comedy of Errors (1999) and The Tempest (2000) - which starred Vanessa Redgrave in an acclaimed performance as Prospero. From 2001, Ford supported Globe Education's summer programme of curriculum-based and continuing education activities for five years.

Samir Savant, Development Director, Shakespeare's Globe said: "We are thrilled that Ford is supporting the Romeo and Juliet tour this summer. This continues their long-standing association with Shakespeare's Globe. As we receive no core funding from the government, we are dependent on our family of supporters for our continued growth and success."