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University sponsors Stafford Shakespeare festival

04/07/2019
University sponsors Stafford Shakespeare festival

The University of Wolverhampton in Stafford is proud to be one of the main sponsors at the Stafford Festival Shakespeare – currently taking place at Stafford Castle until Saturday 13 July 2019.

Established in 1991, Stafford Festival Shakespeare has fast become one of Europe’s largest open air Shakespeare productions. This year the tragic-comedy the Merchant of Venice is being performed against the striking background of Stafford Castle, in a purpose-built auditorium under the stars.

Produced by Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, for Stafford Borough Council, which lies in the heart of Stafford town centre, the event is a centrepiece of the borough’s popular family orientated Stafford Festival with theatre productions performed annually against the dramatic backdrop of Stafford Castle.  It’s regarded as amongst the top open air Shakespeare festivals in the country.

Trevor Humphreys, University of Wolverhampton in Stafford’s Centre Co-ordinator, said: "We are continuing to build on our presence in the Staffordshire area and as well as our short courses and public lectures we’ll be offering foundation degrees from September this year.

"As well as becoming a premium sponsor of the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, we have offered support to enable Stafford Festival Shakespeare to put on its boldest production yet.

"We have already offered lectures relating to Shakespeare and will be holding another ‘To Brexit or not to Brexit – has Shakespeare become the mascot of Brexit Britain?’ later this month."

Jemma Harrison, Marketing and Sales Manager at Stafford Gatehouse said: "The Gatehouse is so grateful for the sponsorship and support that the University have given to us this year. 

"It is through partnerships like this that we are able to reach all members of the community and engage with groups whose access to the arts is perhaps more limited. 

"As we continue to work together we hope to provide opportunities for current and prospective students to gain valuable experience within a professional theatrical environment."

University staff and students can access a ticket offer for the Stafford Festival Shakespeare here 

Anyone interested in the FREE lecture on 17 July can book their tickets here or pop into the University of Wolverhampton in Stafford, 2a Staffordshire Place, Stafford ST16 2LP.

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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