Shakespeare in Love (week 1)

BASED ON THE SCREENPLAY BY MARC NORMAN AND TOM STOPPARD AND ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY LEE HALL WITH MUSIC BY PADDY CUNNEEN. Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer’s block until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor. Both are despondent when they learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the arrogant Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family. Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing – Romeo and Juliet. With opening night – and the wedding day – fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion. Will it all work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy? At Stamford Arts Centre Theatre from 5th - 9th and 14th - 16th December 2023. This amateur production of SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk