To be or not to be……

… at Tatton Park during Shakespeare Week is a question to which the answer should be yes! If not, then you’ll miss out on a weekend programme of highly imaginative activities that get right in to the heart of England’s most famous bard.

Tatton has chosen to join over 9,500 schools and cultural organisations in celebrating the world of one of the all time greatest writers and has been selected as a key partner. Coordinated by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Shakespeare Week introduces primary aged children to Shakespeare’s life, works and times in a fun and engaging way.

The Education Team at Tatton has worked with Shakespeare aficionados to design a number of highly engaging experiences and on 19^th and 20^th March, will be hosting a weekend packed full of exciting activities for all the family.

The highlight of the weekend is a sword fighting and stage combat demo delivered by a historical re-enactment team, Histrionics. This remarkable performance will provide children and adults with the opportunity to see real weapons in action and witness famous fight scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. There will also be an opportunity for children to get involved and learn some stage combat for themselves. The re-enactors will be on site all day for questions and supervised weapon handling.

The programme includes a charming abridged version of Midsummer Night’s Dream by Overchurch Primary School in the Wirral performed by 30 year six pupils. The ‘street theatre’ will take place in the Stableyard and you can expect hilarious contemporary references alongside original Shakespearean language, with crazy fight sequences and of course, a donkey headed Nick Bottom!

The music of Shakespeare played a critical role in his work and local historical music expert Tom Hughes will dress in costume and play music from the Elizabethan and Tudor times with instruments from the period. Tom will be giving participants the opportunity to lean a traditional gig and `have a go’ if they wish!

Visitors will also be able to participate in atmospheric storytelling and join the ‘craft hub’ to make something to take home.

Laura Armitage, Tatton Park Learning and Visitor Services Manager commented “Participating in Shakespeare Weekend at Tatton Park is fantastic. It’s an opportunity for us to bring to life Shakespeare’s world and works in a memorable and engaging way. This year, we are thrilled to be hosting such a range of activities for visitors and have created an all inclusive ticket to make the event excellent value. Furthermore, Shakespeare Weekend at Tatton Park compliments themes in the National Curriculum, ties into a celebration of national importance, but best of all promises to be so much fun! Come along and be a part of it- we would love to see you there.”

 Shakespeare Weekend takes place Sat 19^th and Sun 20^th March

Two ticket options are available. Both entitle participation in all the activities on either day. A Family Ticket (£30) admits 5 people (any combination of adults and children) and an Individual Ticket (£12.50) admits 1 adult and 1 child (up to 15 inclusive). Tickets pre-booked online or by phone include free car entry.

Full information including dates, times and prices can be found on www.tattonpark.org.uk or by calling the Education Team on 01625 374428.