At Soulton Hall, we are delighted to see our neighbors and friends at Hawkstone Park Follies hosting a performance of As You Like It on July 16th at 7:00 pm.
While Soulton is not involved in this specific production, we are thrilled to see this play embraced so vibrantly within the North Shropshire landscape.
A Shared Heritage
The connection between Soulton and Hawkstone is a deep one, stretching back to the mid-1500s.
Both locations were together under the ownership of Sir Rowland Hill, the first Protestant Lord Mayor of London.
While Soulton Hall is the home of the play—as the residence of the Hill family and the origin of the culture that birthed the story—the broader estate that Sir Rowland held included the spectacular cliffs and woods that now form the Follies.
Hawkstone Follies – part of the Forest Arden setting of AS YOU LIKE IT
The Legacy of Old Sir Rowland
It is a joy to see this performance take place in the shadow of history:
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The Inspiration: Sir Rowland Hill is the historical figure behind the character Old Sir Rowland de Boys in Shakespeare’s comedy.
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The Monument: Visitors to the performance will be in the presence of the Great Monument at the Follies, which features the statue of Sir Rowland Hill looking out over the lands he once held.
Statue of Old Sir Rowland Hill: the Old Sir Rowland of AS YOU LIKE IT
A Sustainable “Wild Ride”
The production is brought to life by The HandleBards, a troupe that travels across the UK by bicycle. They carry their entire set, props, and costumes on their bikes, creating an energetic and environmentally sustainable experience that fits the Shropshire countryside perfectly.
How to Attend:
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Time: Doors open at 6:00 pm for picnics; the performance begins at 7:00 pm.
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Seating: Seating is not provided, so please bring your own blankets or low-backed chairs.
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Weather: The show is outdoors. Please bring ponchos or raincoats rather than umbrellas, as umbrellas can block the view for others.
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Tickets: In the spirit of sustainability, please use digital tickets on your phone. Tickets are £21 at the venue, though booking in advance is recommended.
We are so pleased to see our friends at Hawkstone Park Follies celebrating this “wild ride” of a play. It is a fantastic opportunity for the community to enjoy a masterpiece on the broader estate of the man who inspired it.
This production has already captured the local imagination. Discover more through these recent articles:
