Sonnets at the Bar. The Bar Convent, Blossom Street, YORK.
York Shakespeare Project is delighted to bring its popular Sonnets at the Bar back to the secret garden of The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, Blossom Street, from August 11-19.
“The invitation is as warm as ever”, says this year’s director, Tony Froud. “On a summer’s evening, it has always proved a lovely experience. While sipping your complimentary drink in the convent’s delightful garden setting, sit back and enjoy a taste of Shakespeare that is both entertaining and accessible”.
In a format which has always proved successful, the show features a series of larger than life modern characters, each with a secret to reveal. And, to the surprise of the audience, the characters each in turn speak one of Shakespeare’s sonnets to reveal the heart of their story.
“It’s a simple device that always seems to work”, explains Tony. “Very often the actor can be halfway through the sonnet before the audience realises that the language has become Shakespearean”.
YSP first brought Shakespeare’s sonnets to life in 2014 with the Sonnet Walks, in which a group of audience members encountered colourful characters as they walked round the streets of York.
“Many people will remember the Walks fondly”, admits the show’s writer Helen Wilson, “but staging the show in a single setting has great advantages, allowing characters to meet, exchange conversations and reappear.”
Helen, who, with Maurice Crichton, created the original Sonnet Walks in 2014, has shaped the script based on the improvisations of the cast. “We have been inspired by the hotel setting, but our hotel is very different to the Bar Convent”, she explains. “The combination of eccentric staff and a whole variety of residents with fascinating back stories has offered great possibilities. The cast features a good number of actors familiar to YSP regulars, but includes some new faces as well. A big part of the fun of the show is guessing which unusual characters they will be playing.”
Sonnets at the Bar runs from Friday 11 – Saturday 19 August (except Monday 14), at 6pm and 7.30pm, plus 4.30pm on Saturday 12 & Saturday 19 August.
Tickets are available online: Sonnets at the Bar 2023 | York Theatre Royal or from the York Theatre Royal Box Office (01904 623568).
Ticket prices: £10 and £5 (14-17). The price includes a drink.