Bournemouth Shakespeare Players

Each year, the Bournemouth Shakespeare Players perform a work by William Shakespeare in the historic setting of the Christchurch Priory. Past productions of the theatre group have included Romeo & Juliet, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, and Hamlet. In 2013, the company produced Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Future productions planned by the Bournemouth Shakespeare Players include Richard III, Much Ado about Nothing, King Lear, and The Taming of the Shrew.

History

The Bournemouth Players was founded in 1975. Originally, the company produced a variety of plays by a range of playwrights. By 1979, the members of the theatre company decided to perform an open-air production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. A success, the Bournemouth Players began a tradition of producing Shakespeare plays that continues to this day. In 1986, the theatre company turned their focus to Shakespeare and was renamed to the Bournemouth Shakespeare Players. Since 1996, the President of the Bournemouth Shakespeare Players has been Dame Judi Dench.

Venue

The Bournemouth Shakespeare Company has performed throughout Dorset, including Poole and Christchurch. The first production of the Bournemouth Shakespeare Players was Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward. It was held at the Burlington Hotel in Boscombe. Subsequent venues for the drama group's productions have included a church hall in Southbourne, the Pokesdown Youth Club in Bournemouth, and the New Memorial Hall in New Milton.

Currently, the theatre company produces one of William Shakespeare's works each year. Performances are held the Priory House Garden in the historic town of Christchurch, where open-air productions have been held since 1979. Additional venues used for the company's past performances have also included the gardens of the Corpus Christi Church in Boscombe and the Saxon King Gardens near Hengistbury Head in Southbourne. As of 2013, rehearsals for the Bournemouth Shakespeare Players are held at St. Joseph's Hall at Bournemouth Road in Parkstone, Poole.

Location

The Bournemouth Shakespeare Players perform in Christchurch, a town located on the south coast of England in Dorset. The town was founded in the 7th century and is situated at the confluence of the Rive Avon and the Rive Stour. Christchurch's beaches and natural attractions make the community a popular destination. The town centre is overlooked by the imposing Christchurch Priory, which traces its roots to the 11th century.

The Priory House Garden at the Priory Church is accessible via Quay Road and the gardens are located at the rear of the Priory. From the A35, motorists can follow signs to Christchurch and the Priory. On-site parking is available at the Priory. The church is also a 5 minute walk from the Christchurch rail station. It is also served by regular buses from the Christchurch High Street.

Contact Information

The Bournemouth Shakespeare Players may be contacted on 01202 53776 or by email at bsp75@btinternet.com. Requests for tickets may also be made online at www.bshakespearep.org.
The address of the Priory House Gardens is:
Priory House
Quay Road
Christchurch
Dorset
DH23 1BU

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