The value of dedicated local journalism cannot be overstated. Local newspapers do far more than report daily news; they preserve community identity and provide a crucial platform for regional voices. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Whitchurch Herald for their recent coverage spotlighting the upcoming historical lecture at Weston-under-Redcastle Village Hall.
The Dance
By giving visibility to this event, the press performs an essential service. They are helping us raise awareness for a significant charitable initiative run in close partnership with Weston Church—a collaboration aimed at safeguarding our shared local history.
A Shared Heritage: The Soulton-Hawkstone Corridor
The upcoming lecture on July 11 is not merely an academic presentation; it is a community effort to support the historic church at Weston-under-Redcastle.
This specific building sits at the heart of the Soulton-to-Hawkstone corridor, a landscape deeply woven into the family histories of the Hills, the Ashtons, and the Lodges.
For centuries, these families have shared stewardship of this land and its cultural inheritance. By coming together for this lecture, we are continuing that long tradition of partnership, ensuring that the physical monuments of our history receive the care and maintenance they require to stand for generations to come.
Soulton Hall: The Birthplace of As You Like It
The article in the Herald draws welcome attention to an extraordinary reality: that Soulton is the true birthplace of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Far from being a mere backdrop or a fleeting regional mention, this landscape is where the foundational elements of the play were conceived.
This connection is grounded in firm historical evidence. Archival documents, most notably the Soulton Rental, reveal an intricate network of relationships linking the Tudor statesman Sir Roland Hill with Thomas Lodge. It was Lodge’s work Rosalynde that served as the direct source material for Shakespeare’s comedy.
Shropshire Youth Theatre promoting thier AS YOU LIKE IT homecoming play at Soulton
When we look at Sir Roland Hill’s position as a cultural protector during a turbulent Tudor era, alongside his direct connections to Mary Arden—Shakespeare’s mother—the pieces of the puzzle come together naturally. Soulton Hall was the creative wellspring for the play’s setting and themes. The local press plays an invaluable role in bringing these profound historical truths out of the archives and sharing them with the wider community.
A Wider Season of Drama at the Manor
While As You Like It holds a uniquely foundational place in our history, it is only one part of a much broader dramatic canvas unfolding here. This year, the estate grounds and our historic courtroom inside the Moot Hall will serve as settings for a diverse program of classic storytelling.
Whole Pack – Full Company ‘As You Like It’ 2026
In addition to celebrating our deep connections to the Forest of Arden, our upcoming lineup features powerful productions of:
- As You Like It – Returning by popular demand this August, offering audiences another chance to experience this foundational story in the very landscape that inspired it.
- Dracula – Bringing Bram Stoker’s gothic horror classic to life under the open sky.
- Romeo and Juliet – A timeless exploration of star-crossed lovers in a setting rich with heritage.
- Macbeth – Embracing a visceral folk-horror aesthetic to explore ambition and prophecy.
- Hamlet – Staged as a special atmospheric production within the solemn, historic walls of the Moot Hall.
Supporting the Lecture
The lecture represents a wonderful opportunity for the community to gather, learn, and reflect on these findings together while supporting a vital local cause.
- Date: July 11
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Venue: Weston under Redcastle Village Hall
- Tickets: £5 (includes refreshments, with all proceeds benefiting Weston Church)
Our thanks go out once again to the journalists at the Whitchurch Herald for their careful attention to this community event. Their work reminds us that local heritage relies not just on the history itself, but on the community advocates who tell its story.
Tickets for the lecture on July 11 can be reserved through this link.
The full calendar of theatrical productions is bookable via this link.
