This month, the Illyria touring theatre company will perform William Shakespeare’s comedy, Twelfth Night, in the picturesque setting of Claremont Farm in Bebington to help raise essential funds for the housing and homelessness charity Shelter.
Illyria, one of the UK’s finest touring companies, presents an evening of yearning romance, music and sheer joys – all performed on a stage inspired by those of the Elizabethan touring troupes. The performance kicks off at 7pm allowing ticket holders to settle down and watch this classic romantic comedy as the sun goes down.
Funds raised from this enchanting sunset performance will help Shelter’s frontline services to continue providing free and expert help to thousands of people facing homelessness, as well helping the charity to campaign for lasting change.
Homelessness is a major issue in the North West and Shelter is needed more than ever. According to homelessness stats which cover Oct to Dec 2022, there were 6,900 homeless households in temporary accommodation in the North West, with 7,530 children living in those households.
Pauline Cox, Regional Community Fundraiser for Shelter Merseyside, said:
“This special outdoor performance of Twelfth Night is set to be a spectacular evening. By coming along the community can enjoy a night of original Shakespearean comedy in the open air, while helping Shelter to continue to be there for people who don’t have anywhere safe to call home.
“Thousands of people in the North West are homeless, many are families with children. Shelter’s work to fight the housing emergency, and provide practical help and advice to people, is vital. Our emergency helpline is open 365 days a year so that no-one has to face homelessness alone – but we cannot continue to do this without the amazing support of the public and our partners.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who buys a ticket and comes along to this event, and we can’t thank Claremont Farm enough for their support in making this dazzling night of theatre possible.”
Twelfth Night tells the story of Viola, washed-up in Illyria following a shipwreck, where her only chance for survival is to make use of her quick wit and fine singing voice, disguising herself as a man and applying to work in the court of Duke Orsino.
The lovesick Orsino sends “him” to lady Olivia to woo her on his behalf, but Viola’s efforts are so successful that Olivia falls for Viola rather than Orsino. Meanwhile Olivia’s carousing uncle Sir Toby Belch crosses swords with her steward Malvolio and devises a wicked plan to humiliate him. It could all end in tears – even if most of them are of laughter.
Ticket holders must bring their own chair and dress for the weather as the show will continue in all but the very worst conditions. Dough Bros wood fired pizza and a cash bar are available on site at Claremont Farm.
Gates open at 6pm and the show starts promptly at 7pm with a running time of two hours 20 minutes including an interval. You can book tickers here.
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