Not a Bard day out as stately homes celebrate on St George’s Day

An historic Leeds stately home will be marking 400 years since the death of the country’s most famous playwright this St George’s Day.

The stage will be set at Temple Newsam House on Saturday, where the stories of tragic lovers Romeo and Juliet and tortured king Macbeth will be brought to life as part of a day of Shakespearian and Elizabethan-themed activities.

Alongside the performances by Stories Alive, the event will also feature Elizabethan dancing workshops and storytelling as well as the chance for younger visitors to have a go by dressing up or recreating their own plays with a puppet theatre.

Stories Alive’s Eden Ballantyne, who will be performing four times across the day, said: “I hope my interactive Shakespeare performances help bring the Bard’s language alive for young and old alike.

“He may have been dead 400 years, but his words live on throughout Britain and the world."

Built in the 1500s, Temple Newsam was home to some of the country’s most prominent aristocratic families during Shakespeare’s time, including Lord Darnley, the ill-fated husband of Mary Queen of Scots.

Taking part in the weekend's activities is free but usual admission applies.

Elsewhere in Leeds, visitors to Lotherton Hall can follow in the footsteps of St George himself and join the hunt for dragons.

Intrepid youngsters will have the chance to follow clues around the Edwardian house and gardens as they search for the mythical beast hiding somewhere in the grounds.

Visitors can also take part in some dragon-themed arts and crafts, with events running from 11am until 4pm.

Lotherton Hall has also been home to some of the city’s most prominent families over the centuries, including the Nevilles, de Hothams and the Gascoignes.

Activities on Saturday are free but usual estate admission applies.

The George Cross will also be flying at Leeds Civic Hall this Saturday and a Scout parade will be taking place in Horsforth Hall Park, leaving from St Margaret’s Church.

Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said: “It’s wonderful to see that two of the city’s most beautiful and historic locations will be joining in the city’s celebrations for St George’s Day this weekend.

“Exciting activities like these are the perfect way to help people get into the spirit of the occasion and I’m sure it will be a memorable day.”

For more information about Temple Newsam, visit: www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/templenewsam

Details about Lotherton Hall can be found at: www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/lothertonhall

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk