A TREE has been planted to celebrate the partnership between the RSC and neighbouring Charlecote Park.
Actors and members of the creative team from the current productions of Love Labour’s Lost and Love Labour’s Won planted a beech tree in the West Park at nearby Charlecote.
The National Trust property was chosen to feature as the backdrop to the productions of Shakespeare’s romantic comedies.
Historic parts of the property, including the gatehouse and library, have been painstakingly recreated by the RSC’s Workshops as sets for the two productions, which are both designed by Simon Higlett, and currently being staged at the RST in Stratford.
Even the bells audiences hear chiming are the actual clock bells heard ringing out across Charlecote Park.
The productions have prompted theatre-goers to see the real thing for themsleves.
Julie Griffith, House & Visitor Services Manager at Charlecote, said, “Being a part of the recent productions at the RSC has really helped us to engage with our visitors who are fascinated by the history and stories connected to the things they have seen on the stage.”
Christopher Luscombe, director of both productions, said Charlecote had been an inspiration for everyone who had worked on the two productions.
He added: “The association between Shakespeare and this great country house has existed for over 400 years, and we’re delighted to have found a new way to celebrate the bond between the RSC and its magnificent neighbour.”
