Chiltern Shakespeare Company

The Chiltern Shakespeare Company promotes and supports amateur theatre in Beaconsfield. Productions are showcased each summer at an open air venue amidst the stunning Buckinghamshire countryside. Recent productions have included Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado about Nothing, and The Merchant of Venice. Proceeds from the company's theatre productions help support various charities and local causes, as well as the theatre company itself.

History

Founded in 1986, the aim of the Chiltern Shakespeare Company is to celebrate the works of William Shakespeare in a traditional and imaginative style. The works of the renowned and world famous dramatist are performed by local actors from throughout the Thames Valley and Chilterns. The aim of the theatre company is to bring Shakespeare's works to local audiences, including children and youth.

Since its founding, the Chiltern Shakespeare Company has put on 28 different productions as of 2013. Originally, productions of the theatre company were held in a school hall before moving to the open air grounds of Hall Barn in 1989. In addition to the works of William Shakespeare, the Chiltern Shakespeare Company has also produced plays by George Bernard Shaw and John Barton.

Venue

In the late 12th century, Beaconsfield was mentioned for the first time in the Pope Rolls of 1185. The community, known as Bekensfeld then, was known for Beaconsfield Manor. The manor was subdivided into three estates, including Hall Barn. Hall Barn is now the main venue for productions put on by the Chiltern Shakespeare Company.

Since 1989, the Chiltern Shakespeare Company has performed at Hall Barn. Open air performances are put on each year in June. Theatergoers often enjoy an evening picnic at the grounds when visiting to experience the works of William Shakespeare. Food and refreshments are provided at a bar in the auditorium's main marquee.

A tented auditorium with raked seating is located on the stunning grounds of Hall Barn. Actors perform on an open grass stage with a 300 year old sculpted yew serving as a unique backdrop for every production. Seating is available for approximately 550 spectators, including special facilities for theatergoers with disabilities and hearing difficulties.

Location

The stately Hall Barn grounds feature a landscape park and woodland located on the outskirts of Beaconsfield. The 200-hectare site also includes 32 hectares of majestic gardens. The site is located south of Beaconsfield town centre, south-west of the M40 Junction 2. On-site parking is available close to the auditorium. Hall Barn itself is not open to the public, except for productions put on by the Chiltern Shakespeare Company.

Contact Information

To purchase tickets for productions by the Chiltern Shakespeare Company or for general enquires, contact the theatre company's box office on 08700 667720. The box office is open from Monday to Saturday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Online bookings are also possible directly from the theatre company's website (www.chiltern-shakespeare.co.uk). For general information and enquiries, the theatre company may also be reached by email at enquired@chiltern-shakespeare.co.uk.

The mailing address for the Chiltern Shakespeare Company is:
CSC Box Office
Woodrow Farm Cottage
Woodrow
Amersham
Buckinghamshire HP7 0QH

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