Hampshire’s Historic Garden Setting Provides Perfect Backdrop for Acclaimed Theatre Company’s 21st Anniversary Tour
Houghton Lodge Gardens, one of Hampshire’s most beautiful privately owned gardens, is delighted to announce that it will host The Lord Chamberlain’s Men for a special performance of Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy “Twelfth Night” on Sunday, 15th June.
The performance marks a highlight in the acclaimed theatre company’s 21st anniversary year, as they bring their authentic Elizabethan theatrical experience to the stunning Grade II* listed “Cottage Orné” and its mature gardens sweeping down to the banks of the famous River Test.
“We are thrilled to welcome The Lord Chamberlain’s Men to Houghton Lodge Gardens,” said Sophie Busk, Owner at Houghton Lodge Gardens. “Shakespeare performed in the open air so this authentic production feels perfectly at home in our riverside setting, with our mature trees as the backdrop. It will be a wonderful evening for everyone.”
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, leading proponents of open-air theatre for more than two decades, present Shakespeare’s plays exactly as the Bard first saw them – in the open air with an all-male cast and authentic Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. Their production of “Twelfth Night” has been acclaimed for its accessibility and excellence, making Shakespeare’s wit and wisdom available to audiences of all backgrounds.
“Twelfth Night is an absolute classic and has all the hallmarks of Shakespeare’s greatest plays,” said Peter Stickney, Artistic Director and Producer of The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. “We’ve got a complicated love triangle, a shipwreck, twins, and, of course, a woman disguising herself as a man. This production is hilarious and moving, and a joy from start to finish.”
The performance will take place against the backdrop of Houghton Lodge’s historic gardens, where mature trees and sweeping lawns create a natural amphitheatre alongside the River Test. The setting perfectly complements the company’s authentic approach to Shakespeare, allowing audiences to experience theatre much as Elizabethan audiences would have done.
Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs and picnics to make the most of this unique outdoor theatrical experience. The gates will open at 5:30pm with the performance beginning at 6:30pm.
Early booking is strongly recommended as The Lord Chamberlain’s Men’s performances regularly sell out across their extensive UK tour.
