Theatre lovers are being invited to spend a night under the stars with one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies at a historic Banffshire manor.
Duff House in Banff will host an open-air production of the Bard’s Twelfth Night on Friday evening organised by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
The contemporary re-telling of Shakespeare’s story of unrequited love from Folksy Theatre will last around 2 hours.
A tale of misadventure, Twelfth Night follows the trials of shipwrecked Viola who has lost her twin brother Sebastian.
Disguised as a boy for her own protection, Viola enters the service of Duke Orsino and subsequently discovers her disguise causes more problems than it solves.
On Saturday, the show will be staged at Bothwell Castle in Lanarkshire.
HES’s head of visitor experience, Lorna Ewan, said: “Outdoor theatre is always a great way for visitors to enjoy our sites, and both Bothwell Castle and Duff House are sure to provide an atmospheric setting for Shakespearean performance.”
Tom Hardwicke, director of Folksy Theatre, added: “Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies and it’s a favourite of ours.
“The music throughout the text makes it a great fit for Folksy. With our love of live music and talented cast of actors and musicians, we’ve have great fun bringing the songs to life.”
HES’s move to bring Twelfth Night to Duff House is part of the 2017 year of history, heritage and archaeology initiative – a celebration of Scotland’s past.
Duff House is considered one of the finest examples of a Georgian manor house in the world. The stately home, on the banks of the river Deveron, has previously hosted outdoor theatre productions.
In August last year, Folksy Theatre put on a performance of Shakespeare’s As You Like It to mark 400 years since the Bard’s death.
This new production will take place on Friday at Duff House in Banff. Doors open at 6.15pm.
