Local journalism plays a pivotal role in bringing regional history and creative arts into the light.
A heartfelt thank you goes to reporter Josh Price and the Whitchurch Herald for their wonderful coverage spotlighting the theatrical performances at Soulton Hall near Wem.
Articles such as this do far more than share event details; they remind us of the rich cultural legacy present right on our doorstep in Shropshire.
Whole Pack – the company in the Epidaurus Court at Soulton.
Bringing History Home
The coverage by the Whitchurch Herald shines a deserving light on how uniquely tied Soulton Hall is to William Shakespeare’s celebrated work:
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The Inspiration for Old Sir Rowland: Sir Rowland Hill, who built Soulton Hall, served as the real-world inspiration for the character of Old Sir Rowland in As You Like It.
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The Real Forest of Arden: The view across the Epidaurus Court at Soulton Hall looks toward Soulton Wood, the setting that inspired the fictional forest setting in As You Like It.
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Literary Origins: The venue housed the family of writer Thomas Lodge, whose 1590 work Rosalynde formed the primary source material for As You Like It.
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The Dancing Pavement: Visitors to the venue can view the physical pavement design that mirrors the themes of harmony and celebration found in the play.
Supporting a Dynamic Repertoire
While the news piece focused prominently on the upcoming open-air staging of As You Like It by The Whole Pack Theatre on Sunday, August 30 at 3:00 PM, it is worth noting that the company is also performing Macbeth. Highlighting these diverse productions helps sustain interest in the local arts scene.
With past productions from Stage Five Theatre and the Shropshire Youth Theatre also featured in the article, Soulton Hall continues to grow as a vital open-air stage for classic drama.
Thank you once again to the team at the Whitchurch Herald for keeping the community informed, connected, and appreciative of the rich literary history woven into the Shropshire landscape.
