Here at Soulton Hall, our very own woods are the birthplace of Shakespeare’s magical Forest of Arden in “As You Like It” – a connection we proudly mark in diverse ways.

So, as you can imagine, we’re absolutely buzzing when this enchanting play finds its way back to our beloved county this summer at Whittington Castle!

Whittington Castle

That’s why we simply must give a huge shout-out to The Festival Players (patron: the legendary Dame Judi Dench)and their highly anticipated “As You Like It” tour in 2025!

To have a company with such esteemed backing bringing Shakespeare home to our county fills us with immense joy.

A Shropshire Homecoming: Why This Play Belongs Here

Every performance of this beguiling play in Shropshire is a true homecoming. The ancient Forest of Arden was a vast, historical territory covering much of the English Midlands, and it importantly included significant portions of Shropshire, alongside Warwickshire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands, and Worcestershire.

While this geographical reality means that the natural environment of Shropshire was integral to the Forest of Arden’s character, the connection runs even deeper.

The family of Thomas Lodge Jr., whose “Rosalynde” was the  source for Shakespeare’s play, owned Soulton Hall during his boyhood.

In fact, here at the manor, there’s a pavement linked to the Dance of Harmony that closes the play.

And let’s not forget Old Sir Rowland, the father of the male romantic lead, whose estate is the venue for the opening conflict between virtue and oppressive bullying by illegitimate forces that are ultimately vanquished – another strong link to our local history.

These details powerfully underscore the sense that “As You Like It” was truly born within these very Shropshire landscapes, making it Shropshire’s Shakespeare play.

The Play: A Timeless Tale of Love and Freedom

“As You Like It” remains Shakespeare’s most entrancing romantic comedy, a delightful journey of love, disguise, and self-discovery.

The narrative follows Rosalind, daughter of a displaced Duke, as she is banished from court by her father’s brother. Along with her faithful cousin Celia, she escapes into the liberating embrace of the Forest of Arden. Disguised as a man, Rosalind playfully engages with Orlando, a young man who, to her delight, doesn’t recognize her as the girl he loved from afar. The sylvan world of the Forest is filled with a colourful array of charming characters, all searching for love, woven into this delightful tale, brimming with laughter and music. It’s a timeless story of love, disguise, and the profound freedom found in nature.

Experience the Magic at Whittington Castle!

We wholeheartedly encourage you to experience this wonderful production amidst the historic and evocative setting of Whittington Castle, which itself carries enormous historical significance.

Witness this wonderful production unfold at the historic Whittington Castle, located at Castle Street, Shropshire, SY11 4DF. This offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of Shakespeare under the expansive Shropshire skies.

Tickets can be conveniently purchased online. The URL to purchase tickets is:

https://www.whittingtoncastle.com/event-details/as-you-like-it.

You can also buy tickets in person at the castle box office. Pre-booked tickets are priced at £15 for Adults and £13 for Concessions. For purchases made on the night, tickets will be £17 for Adults and £15 for Concessions.

Don’t miss this chance to welcome “As You Like It” back to its spiritual home in Shropshire!

Here at Soulton Hall, where our very own woods are the birthplace of Shakespeare’s magical Forest of Arden in “As You Like It” – a connection we proudly mark in diverse ways.

That’s why we simply must give a huge shout-out to The Festival Players (whose patron is none other than the legendary Dame Judi Dench.) and their highly anticipated “As You Like It” tour in 2025!

The pay is NOT at Soulton this time but the wonderful ancient Whittington castle.

AS YOU LIKE IT Blue Plaque at Soulton Hall

 

Blue Plaque on the Cottage in the AS YOU LIKE IT wood.

This has been covered in the Shropshire Star.