Lancaster Castle Measures Up

Lancaster Castle is raising the curtain on a brand new production of William Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure' in February.

The show is being performed from Thursday 25 February until Saturday 19 March. Tickets are available from 9.30am on Monday 25 January.

The performance, by Demi-Paradise Productions, will have an unconventional and upbeat 1950's setting and will feature live music and songs from the time.

Measure for Measure is a dark story of hypocrisy and coercion, threatened rape, death and damnation. But it is also a story of romance and redemption and has a wide audience appeal.

The performance is directed by Joyce Branagh, sister of Sir Kenneth. All of the ten actors taking part are from the North West.

Demi-Paradise Productions is Lancaster Castle's resident professional theatre company, set up in 2000 by actor and part-time castle guide, Stephen Tomlin.

‘Measure for Measure’ is the company's 10th production at the castle and forms part of the events across the country marking the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare.

Colin Penny, Lancashire County Council's museum manager at the castle, said: "Even the Bard himself couldn't have imagined a more incredible location for this performance, set against the wonderful historic backdrop of Lancaster Castle.

The production company have been nominated for many awards, gaining a reputation for terrific theatre with live music. Tickets for their productions sell out very quickly.

"To offer people lots of choice we've also organised a family friendly night and a students' and young people's matinee. It is a real treat for Shakespeare lovers and will be great entertainment for everyone."

Director Joyce Branagh, said: "Having experienced Demi-Paradise's promenade productions of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and ‘Othello’ at Lancaster Castle, I am very excited at the prospect of working within the rooms and courts of this beautiful historic building, with a company so experienced at staging Shakespeare here."

Tickets for the public performances cost £25 from Monday to Thursday and £27 on Friday and Saturday. Tickets for the family friendly night on Monday 14 March, and the students' and young people's matinee on Saturday 5 March, cost £12.

Numbers are limited so booking is essential. For booking information or opening times, call 01524 64998 or visit the castle shop between 9.30am to 4.30pm.

More information about other Lancashire County Council museums is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums