Shakespeare in Love: Scenes of Love from Shakespeare at Craigdarroch Castle, February 7-15, 2014
Valentine’s Day has a special meaning for my husband and me since our anniversary is February 12th.
And what better way, as an arts-lover, to celebrate both than to partake in Shakespeare in Love: Scenes of Love from Shakespeare at CraigdarrochCastle.
Staged by Giggling Iguana Productions and the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival (GVSF) as a fundraiser for the Festival’s 12th season (summer 2014), audience members will be treated to snippets and selections of songs, sonnets and scenes portraying the many faces and facets of love.
Remounted in 2013 after initial productions in 2001 and 2002, and—like all “Castle” shows—extremely popular, Shakespeare in Love will have you laughing at the antics of Kate (Amy Lee-Radigan) and Petruchio (Cam Culham) in The Taming of the Shrew, pondering Emilia’s (Susie Mullen) reflections on husbands (Othello), cheering for Henry (Adam Holroyd) and Katherine (Amy Lee-Radigan) in Henry V as they manoeuvre the intricacies of an arranged marriage. Original music by Amy Lee-Radigan (Oh Mistress Mine – Twelfth Night) and Wes Borg (Sigh No More, Ladies – Much Ado About Nothing) is played by Culham and Noelle Antonsen, accompanied by the actors. There are also well-known scenes from Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Amy Lee-Radigan and Cam Culham
“We reveal the many kinds of love that Shakespeare so beautifully illuminates in his works,” says GVSF Producer Karen Lee Pickett. “At evening’s end, refreshments and delectable desserts will be served in the Castle’s magnificent Dining Room – the perfect Valentine’s gift for the special love of thy life!”
There were couples of all ages in the audience the night we attended, but I also noticed groups of friends, some of whom had never been to Craigdarroch Castle before. The beautiful surroundings and intricate finishings of the magnificent rooms are a perfect background for the Bard’s immortal words.
“Giggling Iguana Productions and the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival remounted this piece last year with great success. We originally put the show on in 2001 and 2002,” says Iguana’s Ian Case. “It was just as popular last year as it was then so I thought as a longtime supporter of the GVSF that it was fitting this show become something of an annual fundraiser for them. It’s a perfect fit for the Castle, for the GVSF and for Iguana.”
Shakespeare in Love: Scenes of Love From Shakespeare features a plethora of local talent with Cam Culham (Shakespeare in Love 2002), Susie Mullen (Merry Wives of Windsor), Adam Holbroyd (Lady Windermere’s Fan), Amy Lee Radigan (The Cursed Cabaret of Kelowna Day Taylor), and Noelle Antonsen (Godspell). The show is directed by Karen Lee Pickett and runs February 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15 at 8pm at CraigdarrochCastle, 1050 Joan Crescent.
Information and tickets are available online at www.thecastle.ca and by phone at 250-592-5323. Reservations are required. Tickets are $28 general admission and $25 for Castle Members (prices include GST) and include coffee, tea and dessert service. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a seated performance. CraigdarrochCastle is a historic house museum. There are 87 stairs and NO ramps or elevator – it is NOT wheelchair accessible. Tickets are limited to 50 per night.
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