Have a bite before the play

There’s a new opportunity for open air playgoers as Lytham Hall’s Tea Rooms will put on pre-play suppers for the first time before Midsummer Night’s Dream on Friday evening July 1st.

Illyria will be at Lytham Hall at the end of the first week of their nationwide open air tour of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The cast of five will give 54 performances in 69 days, travelling throughout England Scotland and Wales.

Julian Wilde, organiser of the open air season feels the provision of suppers is a first class new opportunity.

“It’s a attractive chance for those coming from work to enjoy a delicious hot supper before the play,” he said. “Advance booking makes sense so that your meal will be ready when you arrive and at only £9.95 for a two-course meal it’s excellent value for money.”

He is pleased with advance ticket sales approaching 400, despite some changeable weather in late June, and is hoping for a full house with walk-up tickets available at the gate.

Oliver Gray, artistic director of and founder of Illyria who this year celebrates rates 25 years of touring open air shows rates the setting at Lytham Hall very highly.

“One of the challenges for our whole cast of five, when playing in the open air, is to maintain that important sense of intimacy, but still to be heard. The magnificent trees surrounding the arena at Lytham Hall create superb acoustics and of course there is a complete absence of traffic noise. It’s one of the favourite places on our tour.” he said.

The arena, adjacent to the Hall and in the midst of 78 acres of parkland, has become a favourite of touring companies in the past six years and £20,000 has been raised for the Lytham Hall Restoration fund.

Gates open at 5.30 pm for picnickers and refreshments are available from both the Tea Room and the outdoor catering van. The audience is advised to wear warm clothing and should bring their own seating.

Full details about the play and the suppers from Lytham Hall 01253 736652 www.lythamhall.org.uk