SHEPHERD NEAME LAUNCHES SHAKESPEARE WITH SHEPS, BRINGING OPEN AIR THEATRE TO PUB GARDENS THIS SUMMER WITH THE CHANGELING THEATRE

Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame is teaming up with Kent theatre company, Changeling, to stage open air theatre at two of its picturesque pubs this summer.

Shakespeare With Sheps will see Maidstone-based Changeling Theatre perform Shakespeare comedy Love’s Labour’s Lost during its outdoor summer theatre tour in two of Shepherd Neame’s Kent pub gardens.

It is the first time the pub company has staged theatre at its pubs, and two diverse destinations with beautiful settings and spectacular views have been chosen.

The first performance will be at The Three Mariners in Oare, near Faversham, on Thursday, July 13 at 7.30pm, when theatre fans will be able to savour the rural setting, as the show takes place in the pub’s tiered garden.

The second will be at The Belle Vue Tavern in Ramsgate on Wednesday, July 26, also at 7.30pm, with the ‘Balcony of Kent’ as a backdrop, overlooking Pegwell Bay and out to the Channel.

Best known for its hugely successful open air tour each summer, the Changeling Theatre has staged Shakespeare’s most popular plays in locations ranging from castles to gardens and even beaches.

It will be the company’s 22nd season this year and the tour runs throughout July and August, with venues across the South East announced to coincide with World Theatre Day today (Monday, March 27).

Shepherd Neame’s Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine, said: “It’s really exciting to be bringing live theatre to two of our pub gardens this summer – and what brilliant venues to see Shakespeare in!

“The Belle Vue Tavern and The Three Mariners are fantastic locations to sit back and enjoy the show, whilst soaking up the atmosphere in their gardens. The Changeling Theatre are known for their lively, fun and fabulously creative shows and we can’t wait to add two of their performances of Love’s Labour’s Lost to our offer for our customers this summer.”

Artistic director of the Changeling Theatre, Rob Forknall, said: “We’re excited to welcome Shepherd Neame to our list of stunning venues across the South East and beyond this summer where we will be staging our summer tour. 

"We see Love’s Labour’s Lost as Shakespeare does Bridgerton. If you loved the Netflix series, then this show is perfect for you.”
 
Widely believed to be the prequel to Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s comedy, Love’s Labour’s Lost, promises luscious costumes and a few surprises, including an original music collaboration with Kent arts festival, Jam on the Marsh.

Tickets for both shows cost £24 for adults, £14 for children between 10 and 18 and under 10s are free.

Both pubs have parking, and a delicious menu to choose from. Any food for the night must be pre-ordered and will not be served during the performances. 

You can find The Three Mariners at 2 Church Road, Oare, Faversham, ME13 0QA. To find out more go to: thethreemarinersoare.co.uk. Ticket holders will need to bring seating/blankets for the show here.

The Belle Vue Tavern is situated at Pegwell Road, Ramsgate, CT11 0NJ, or visit thebellevuetavern.co.uk.

To book tickets for the shows (there is a standard booking fee of £2) visit: medwayticketslive.co.uk/event/ the-three-mariners and medwayticketslive.co.uk/event/ the-belle-vue-tavern