The King Comes to Hodsock Priory

BLYTH, U.K. - April 10, 2013 - PRLog -- The serene surroundings of Hodsock Priory in Blyth will play host to an outdoor performance of King Lear (http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/on-tour/king-lear) by the award-winning Globe Theatre company.  Directed by Bill Buckhurst, this production features Joseph Marcell as Lear, best known as Geoffrey in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and last at the Globe in Much Ado About Nothing.

The two performances held on 9th and 10th May (http://www.hodsockpriory.com/seasonal-events) will also feature stage and screen actor Rawiri Paratene, star of Whale Rider.

Take a picnic, sit back and relax whilst Old Kind Lear, weary of royal duties proposes to break up his kingdom and divide it amongst his three daughters.  But, this rash generosity is cruelly repaid and Lear discovers too late the false values by which he has lived and, in turn, the suffering common to all humanity.  Its tempestuous poetry shot through with touches of humour and moments of heart-rendering simplicity, King Lear is one of the deepest artistic explorations of the human condition.

The audience will sit amongst a backdrop of blooming Bluebells in Hodsock Priory’s formal gardens while delighting in an Elizabethan style booth stage which is inspired by paintings and etchings from Shakespeare’s time.

George Buchanan, general manager and ninth generation resident of Hodsock Priory commented: “It is exciting to welcome back the Globe Theatre, their performances are wonderful and our visitors always thoroughly enjoy them.  We are also pleased to be able to open up our Bluebell gardens to all those who purchase a King Lear ticket, which means our visitors can take time to explore our beautiful display before making their way over to the formal gardens for a fantastic evening of entertainment.”  

Gates open at 6.30pm with the performance commencing at 7.30pm. Full bar and refreshments will be available throughout the performance.  Tickets cost £17.50 for adults, £15 for concessions and £10 for children.  The Hodsock Bluebell gardens will be open from 10am – 4pm, Thursday 9th and Friday 10th May and is free entry to all those who have purchased a King Lear performance ticket.

Hodsock Priory can also cater for those wanting to enjoy a short break through its five star rated Courtyard accommodation.  The Courtyard (http://www.hodsockpriory.com/courtyard-1) is a sympathetic restoration of the old dairy on the 800 acre Hodsock estate, it boasts 10 magnificently designed self-catering suites ideal for those wanting a little bit of luxury in a rural setting. The estate is surrounded by heritage and family attractions and connects to miles of cycle and bridle paths. It’s a great base for exploring Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire.

For further information, prices and tickets visit www.hodsockpriory.com or call 01909 591204.