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The Lamb Players to debut at Fairlight Hall

For the first time, after nine sell-out seasons, The Lamb Players are set to bring their unique interpretation of a Shakespeare classic to Hastings, as they present As You Like It from Fairlight Hall. HOT’s Jordan Dixon writes.

If you enjoy the works of Shakespeare and are tantalised by the idea of such being performed to the backdrop of enchanting scenery, accompanied by original music and with a unique twist, then you may want to stop reading and immediately book your place for The Lamb Players, to watch them present As You Like It from the beautiful setting of Fairlight Hall.

Friday 17 to Sunday 19 August are the dates to circle to see The Lamb Players perform for the first time away from their home in Rye, as they distinctively present Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, set to the backdrop of Britain during the Second World War. Their talented company will be lead by West-End and Broadway favourites, Jonathan Broadbent (My Night with Reg, Donmar), Jessica Regan (Doctors, Long Day’s Journey on Broadway) and Radio 4’s Carrie Quinlan.

The Lamb Players

In 2008, four friends had the idea of putting together a high-energy production of a Shakespeare comedy without the pitfalls and distractions of theatres, bureaucracy and funding. It is thanks to the hard work, dedication and commitment of the following – Francesca Rowan Plowden (graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), Tamara Harvey (artistic director, Theatre Clwyd), Robert Hastie (artistic director, Sheffield Crucible) and top actor, Stephanie Street – that The Lamb Players were born. Since then, the company’s model has attracted a pool of over 40 actors with credits in the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, West End, TV and Broadway.

Each August, the company would perform from their now former home, Lamb House in Rye – and boasted such names as Miriam Margoles, Geoffrey Steatfield, Jessica Regan and Henry Goodman amongst their casts. This ended though in 2017, when the National Trust regained control of Lamb House. The company’s venture to find a new home ceased when they found Fairlight Hall.

As You Like It… But Not As You Know It

LambPlayersPosterI asked Bobby Delaney, the director of The Lamb Players’ upcoming performance, why the decision was made to set As You Like It during the Second World War? He explained that As You Like It puts women in the driving seat and celebrates the differences between genders. Told from a woman’s perspective, it asks the audience to  question what happens when you reverse gender characteristics: why do women think differently to men? Why it matters? Or does it matter? As such, he highlighted that since WWII was a time in which the female role in society was altered forever, and therefore it was a great platform to re-tell the story.

The Lamb Players have also exclusively interpreted other works of Shakespeare since their inception. When asked why, Delaney stated that the stories, relationships and characters are so well formed in Shakespeare’s plays, that a production can easily move the conceit of where and when the play takes place, to fit their own purpose.

So if you have never seen The Lamb Players unique re-telling of a Shakespeare classic or wish to do so again and help celebrate their inaugural performance at Fairlight Hall, visit The Lamb Players to book your place, while tickets last.

And if you wish to know more about their upcoming performance, check out the video at the bottom of the page, in which Bobby Delaney spoke to That’s Thames Valley TV.

The Lamb Players present Shakespeare’s As You Like It
Fairlight Hall, TN35                                                                                                                             Friday 17 August – Sunday 19 August (matinee Saturday 18 August, kids go free!)                                                                                                                        Tickets £18. Book online at www.thelambplayers.com

 

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Posted 18:04 Wednesday, Aug 8, 2018 In: Performance

1 Comment

  1. Greg Peters

    Saw the Lamb Players last night at Fairlight Hall Theatre in the round in a beautiful setting
    A brilliant must see production of As You Like It.
    The actors bring the play to life and cleverly weave it into the1940s with such energy. If you are able to go to todays performances you will not be disappointed.

    Comment by Greg Peters — Sunday, Aug 19, 2018 @ 09:08

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