MIDSUMMER might seem like a long way away, but a Reading-based theatre company wants people to start getting the dates in their diaries now.
Rabble’s outdoor production this year will be Henry I, a play written by Beth Flintoff.
It will be held in the Abbey Ruins in Reading’s The Forbury, and runs from Thursday, June 15, through to Saturday, July 1, with previews two days before it opens.
The show looks at what happens when William the Conqueror dies.
Henry, the spare royal son, gets nothing.
Only his beloved sister remains faithful as his brothers scramble for power and England suffers.
But Henry’s position changes. Power surges into his hands, love beckons and the world falls at his feet. What must he do to hold the crown?
Audiences will have to wait five months to find out.
The company received a £100,000 grant from Arts Council England to help with the staging of the show.
Peter Heslip, South East Director, Arts Council England, says: “It’s wonderful to see that so many people will have the opportunity to participate in this exciting new educational project by RABBLE Theatre.
“Arts, culture and creativity have a vital role in empowering people – giving us the opportunity to discover our history and explore challenging themes, as well as helping us to feel a sense of pride in the places where we live and work.
“We’re pleased to be able to support this exciting project thanks to National Lottery players.”
Tickets cost from £16 to £29, with a pay-what-you-can night during the run.
For more details, or to book, log on to: https://rabbletheatre.com/henry-i-of-england/
