Great Weather, Great Performance, Great Expectations

June 24, 2010 - PRLog -- The City and County of Swansea engaged The Quantum Theatre company to present Dickens’ classic ‘Great Expectations’ at Oystermouth Castle.

The audience, including staff from sponsors Sinclair Audi and Mercedes, enjoyed the contrasting high comedy and dark drama as they followed Pip on his journey to become a gentleman and to discover the true nature of his great expectations.

Mrs Williams from Sketty, who won tickets in a promotional competition for the event said “I had a wonderful time. We were provided with chairs, the hamper food was delicious, the view was excellent and we were treated like royalty.  We had a great evening at Oystermouth Castle”.

Frances Jenkins, Strategic Manager for Tourism, Marketing and Events said “The performances were a great success with nearly 700 people turning out over the two days.

“Oystermouth Castle offers a dramatic backdrop for this type of production and it gives our visitors and residents even more reasons to make the most of Swansea’s fantastic outdoors.  We are also very keen to explore new locations for Outdoor Theatre and that’s why our August event will be staged somewhere entirely different”.

For those who missed out, the second Outdoor Theatre event of the year is scheduled for 18 and 19 August at 7.30pm. The two performances, which are supported by Sinclair Mercedes, will for the first time as part of the outdoor theatre programme be performed in the courtyard of the National Waterfront Museum.  

Shakespeare’s final poetic masterpiece The Tempest will be performed by the Festival Players who make a return visit to Swansea

Before the play opens, Prospero, the Duke of Milan, has been stripped of his throne by his brother Antonio. Prospero and his daughter Miranda are sent away to a deserted island.

When Prospero comes to shore, he finds two inhabitants there, Ariel, a spirit, and Caliban. Years before Prospero's arrival, Ariel had been imprisoned in a tree by a witch. Prospero set Ariel free, who became bound to serve him.

Prospero practiced his sorcery, and raised a tempest that brings Antonio and his entourage ashore. The entire performance takes place on the island, where Ariel and Caliban, aid or hold up his work.

Tickets are priced at £8.50 standard, £6.50 concession (in advance); £10 standard, £8 concession (on the night).

Tickets are available from http://www.swanseabayfestival.com or 01792 475715.

To make the evening extra special, it is now possible to pre-order a freshly made picnic available to pick up on arrival. Prices start from £25 for 2 people, but must be pre-ordered by Friday 13 August on 01792 635428.

Outdoor Theatre is part of the Swansea Bay Summer Festival and is kindly supported by Real Radio.

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