A unique Tempest in St Leonards

Markwick Gardens in St Leonard’s-on-Sea is a magical location. It’s akin to stepping into a Secret Garden. Over the end of August bank holiday weekend, Crow Tree Theatre Company is transforming these subscription gardens into Prospero’s Island. Or is it Caliban’s?

Director, Gail Borrow, explains, “Markwick Gardens was the inspiration for Crow Tree Theatre’s current Secret Spaces Tour of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. This delightful space is home to badgers and foxes as well as being a precious space for local residents and dog walkers. The first time I entered the garden, I knew straight away that our next show would be connected to this place in some way.”

Crow Tree Theatre Company

Crow Tree’s sound artists begin their rehearsal process by recording the sounds in the performance environment. Whether the calls of the robin, the snuffles of the badger or the raging elements, these are developed and woven into the actors’ work with live musicians for a vivid and unique theatre experience.

Crow Tree is based in St Leonards-on-Sea and is keen to collaborate to create unique performances and installations. The actors in this Crow Tree production work out of London, where the other venues in the tour are located – and Berlin.

Markwick Gardens as a venue

Crow Tree have had wonderful support for this production from the Markwick Gardens committee, a dedicated group of volunteers who have restored the gardens to reflect their former glory after a period as an overgrown wilderness. Over the year, they fundraise to maintain the grounds and have been hugely welcoming to Crow Tree’s actors rehearsing in the gardens, even allowing their dogs to join in! If you are not a garden member, this is a great opportunity to see the gardens at their best.

The Tempest

Both funny and frightening, The Tempest sees Prospero settling scores with some extraordinary tests, tasks and traps. The mission: the restoration of his dukedom and his daughter Miranda married. Is love over logs an effective way to secure a dynastic marriage?

There’re only a limited number of opportunities to catch this inventive theatre company in Sussex. This promenade production offers refreshments/bar at the wedding parties before and after the island trials and tribulations. Audience numbers are limited to ensure that everyone has a great view, so reach for your walking boots and a torch – and book your tickets! Children and dogs welcome.

Call out for volunteers and collaborators!

If you’d be interested in helping out with the setting up and/or the taking down process in Markwick Gardens, please contact Crow Tree at: admin@crowtreetheatrecompany.com

Also, coming soon from Crow Tree, Prospero’s Cell. Do get in touch if you’d like to be involved; Crow Tree are a collective of collaborators!

The Tempest by Crow Tree Theatre Company                                             Markwick Gardens, Brittany Road                                                                               St Leonards-on-Sea TN38 0RB

28, 29 and 30 August                                                                                                      Gates open 6.15pm                                                                                           Performance starts 7pm. Ends 8.15pm. No interval

Tickets: Adults £12 Children 16 or under £9. Available here.

 

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