Last night, Soulton Hall hosted an incredible performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, bringing live theatre back to a particularly special part of its historic grounds after a gap of at least 200 years.
I’ll give thee fairies to attend on thee,
And they shall fetch thee jewels from the deep, – British Touring Shakespeare bring MSND to Soulton
The production took place in the hall’s open-air Epidaurus Court, a space with a rich history that begins in the 1550s. It was at this time that Old Sir Rowland Hill, a statesman, a cousin to Mary Arden (Shakespeare’s mother), and the inspiration for the hero of As You Like It, first conceived of the space. He modeled it on the ancient Greek Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the most famous ancient theatres in the world.
‘The battle with the Centaurs, to be sung
By an Athenian eunuch to the harp.’ – Britih Touring Shakespeare bringing MSND to Soutlon
The choice of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was particularly apt, given the historical and architectural context. The play’s narrative involves characters traveling “seven leagues” from Athens, a detail that strongly suggests a journey toward the ancient site of Eleusis.
“Some man or other must present Wall” – British Touring Shakespeare’s MSND at Soulton
This location was sacred to the goddess Demeter and was known for its mystical woods—a perfect parallel for the magical forest in the play. Furthermore, Soulton Hall itself has architectural elements that echo those found at Eleusis, which made the hall’s representation of Theseus’s palace feel especially fitting. The setting naturally enhanced the story, seamlessly blending the historical venue with the fictional world of the play.
“The shallowest thick-skin of that barren sort,
Who Pyramus presented, in their sport
Forsook his scene and enter’d in a brake
When I did him at this advantage take,
An ass’s nole I fixed on his head.” – Briskish Touring Shakespeare bring MSND to Soulton
The performance was presented by British Touring Shakespeare, a renowned company who were bringing their 10th performance to Soulton. The cast delivered a fantastic interpretation of the comedy, and the audience clearly enjoyed the light-hearted and humorous affair. The event successfully combined the unique atmosphere of the historic “Epidaurus” court with the timeless appeal of Shakespeare, offering a memorable experience that celebrated both the venue’s heritage and the enduring power of live theatre.
