Discover the magic of Shakespeare Country in 2011
With a wealth of heritage, theatre, arts and gardens, there is so much happening in Shakespeare Country in 2011.
See a performance at the newly transformed Royal Shakespeare Theatre; visit the brand new ‘Merlin: The Dragon Tower’ attraction at Warwick Castle, wander around exciting new exhibitions at Compton Verney, join in the many festivities planned for the Royal Wedding or simply stroll around the stunning gardens that the area has to offer. Make 2011 the year you discover the magic of Shakespeare Country.
2011 is a landmark year for Stratford-upon-Avon’s Royal Shakespeare Company. Following the £112.8m transformation of its theatres, the RSC is looking forward to presenting the first new productions in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre from April. 2011 also marks the RSC’s 50th Birthday which the Company is celebrating with a repertoire of work by Shakespeare and his contemporaries, new work and revivals of some of the RSC’s greatest hits. Productions in the 50th Birthday Season include Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as Marat/Sade, Cardenio, The City Madam, Dunsinane and The Homecoming. In addition, the new 37m Tower provides stunning views across the countryside, a Theatre Tour reveals what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, and there’s a wide range of fascinating exhibitions throughout the building.
Help the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust ‘Dig for Shakespeare’ on the site of the playwrights’ last family home at New Place. From 11 April experience a live archaeology project and join the hunt for treasure in the spoils from the waste pits. Mary Arden’s Farm brings ‘Spring To Life’ when it reopens on 21 March with newly hatched chicks and baby lambs. Hall’s Croft and Nash’s House will display costumes and accessories as part of the RSC’s 50th anniversary exhibition A History of the RSC in 50 Objects from 4 April. Join the new Cradle to Grave guided walking tours from Shakespeare’s Birthplace through the historic spine of Stratford-upon-Avon from June 10. The Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations will span a week from 23 - 30 April with special activities at all five of the Shakespeare Houses.
Warwick Castle will open a brand new attraction at Easter. Merlin: The Dragon Tower will be the first ever experience inspired by the BBC One hit family show. The Castle aims to give visitors the chance to experience the magic of Arthurian legend first hand. At the heart of the attraction is a magical mirror allowing visitors to interact with The Great Dragon. Created by Shine TV, Merlin tells the story of the young wizard as he struggles to survive in a kingdom where magic is banned where he must protect Camelot and aide Arthur to fulfil his true destiny. On Mothering Sunday marvel at the grace and beauty of Matthew & Nicole Cutler as seen on Strictly Come Dancing performing in the Central Courtyard. Matthew and Nicole will perform two shows throughout the day whilst visitors can meet them in the State Dining Room. The Royal Garden Party takes place on Friday 29 April to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Enjoy a picnic with strawberries and cream in the Central Courtyard with a live band to add to the occasion.
Compton Verney art gallery plays host to a number of exciting events and exhibitions. ‘Capability’ Brown and the landscapes of middle England runs from 25 June – 2 October and is the first-ever exhibition focusing on the work of the renowned landscape designer ‘Capability’ Brown in the Midlands. Stanley Spencer and the English Garden runs from 25 June – 2 October and focuses on his garden views and landscapes. Creative drop-in family activities linked to landscapes take place from 26 July – 4 Sept plus enjoy a Georgian tea weekend discovering English tea drinking etiquette and traditions from 8 - 9 October.
‘Sci-Fi at the Movies’ is the latest exciting exhibition to be staged at the Heritage Motor Centre giving visitors the opportunity of seeing original artefacts, replica models and costumes from past and present Science Fiction movies. The exhibition, which runs from 19 February – 4 September, will showcase some of the most popular and iconic superheroes and villains from films such as Star Wars, E.T. Harry Potter, Aliens, Batman, Spiderman and Superman. In addition there are a number of exciting new shows including the UK Slot Car Festival on 22 May featuring all models of Slot Cars including Scalextric, Carrera & Slotting and the Retro Truck Show on 18 September featuring trucks from 1965 - 1995.
2011 sees the launch of an exciting competition at The Falstaff Experience in Stratford-upon-Avon which is searching for the Midlands best new Medium. The contest began in January with live auditions in the Witches Courtyard. Contestants are asked to perform platform Mediumship, conduct a séance and lead a public vigil. The chosen few will compete in overnight vigil heats through the summer with the winners competing in two overnight Paranormal Investigation semi-finals in the autumn. The final and live results show will take place on Halloween. In addition, enjoy shows, quizzes and displays throughout the year including a medieval festival from 12-14 August celebrating the origins of the haunted house.
Visit The Master's Garden at the Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick on Tuesday 12 April when it reopens for the season. The historic and beautiful garden will be a mass of stunning tulips and will continue through the summer months with a wonderful mixture of flowers, plants, colours and scents. See the resident Gardener for gardening advice and enjoy morning coffee, homemade lunches and afternoon teas in The Brethren's Kitchen Tea room.
2011 is set to be an exciting year for Kenilworth Castle as it celebrates the Elizabethan Garden’s third year of opening. Experience the authentically re-created Elizabethan Garden and soak up the scents, sounds and sights of this stunning masterpiece as Queen Elizabeth I would have done more than 400 hundred years ago. There is something for the whole family to enjoy from exhibitions, a delightful castle tearoom and beautiful walks to an exciting events programme. The ever popular Time Travellers Club returns with lots of new editions, including Knights & Princesses, Heroes & Villains and Normans & Saxons!
Join in with the celebrations at Blenheim Palace with a Royal Joust in honour of the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday 29 April. The special tournament will begin with a Royal Parade from 1pm when the “Knights of Royal England” will make their way in full regalia on horseback through Woodstock. A falconry display will open the tournament and the mighty jousting battle will commence in earnest between the “Windsor’s and the Tudors”. One of the highlights on the calendar is The Battle Proms Evening Picnic Concert which takes place on the 16 July and is the ultimate summer event!
Watch summer plays at Hidcote Manor Gardens with A Midsummer Night’s Dream on 16 June and Pinocchio on 9 July. Pack a tent, stay overnight and explore the gardens with experts on 16 July at an overnight wildlife watch. Learn how to climb high into the trees with instructors on 5 June & 24 July. Turn apples into cider and find out about the humble apple with pressing demonstrations and tastings at an Apple Weekend on 22 & 23 October.
The restored Victorian Hill Close Gardens in Warwick will celebrate Midsummer Madness with a Midsummer Soiree on Tuesday 21 June when visitors can picnic in the gardens and enjoy musical entertainment. Katie Leaver, a professional singer, will present a varied programme including opera favourites, Gilbert & Sullivan and popular songs from the shows.
Ragley Hall, Warwickshire's leading sustainable country estate, will host the Falconry & Raptor Fair on 1 & 2 May featuring displays by the biggest names in sport and exhibitions. Jools Holland will take to the stage with his 17-piece Orchestra and guests including Ruby Turner on 2 July. On the 6 & 7 August The Midlands History Festival will showcase Living History Camps from a range of eras from Romans to American Civil War. Enjoy a wide range of demonstrations from combat and falconry to cooking, as well as Battle re-enactments. The Battle Proms Concert returns after 10 years on 20 August and the popular Warwickshire & West Midlands Game & Country Fair takes place from 27 – 29 August.
Wander around the Easter Food Fayre at Hatton Shopping Village on 26 & 27 March and experience the tastiest produce from local suppliers with free tastings. Take part in pedigree, non-pedigree, companion dog and novelty classes at the Companion Dog Show on 3 April. The largest American car club in Europe will host their event on 25 & 26 June. American Auto Club UK caters for all makes and boasts anything with an American engine. See the sheep having their coats shorn, & dog agility shows as Hatton Farm Village hosts Wonderful Whitsun from 28 May - 5 June. Popular Pumpkin Week takes place from 22 - 30 October with a free pumpkin for every child plus daily pumpkin carving and Pumpkin Hunt.
2011 will see Europe’s only Thomas Land™ attraction become bigger and better with the addition of a brand new family-friendly ride at Drayton Manor Theme Park. The Theme Park will also unveil a well recognised children’s themed rollercoaster which will replace the Sombrero ride plus its brand new 150 bedroom hotel will open in July, allowing visitors to stay overnight, including discounts for second-day tickets.
For accommodation, special offers and more information visit the official website: Shakespeare-Country.co.uk
