Arundel Castle, the historic residence of the Duke of Norfolk for over 850 years, is set to host a remarkable event this August.
Andrew Lewis, the castle manager, expressed his excitement about inviting Illyria back to Arundel Castle to present Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
The magnificent surroundings of the castle and its gardens create a romantic ambiance that transports the audience into the enchanting world of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy.
This open-air theatre production offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature and literature.
It promises to be an unforgettable evening of entertainment and merriment.
The performance of Twelfth Night is a part of the 2023 Arundel Festival of the Arts.
The festival takes place in the town of Arundel, known for its rolling hills in Sussex, which has recently become the playground of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Arundel Castle is home to the Duke of Norfolk, while the Duke of Richmond resides at the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, famous for hosting the annual classic car event, the Festival of Speed.
Sussex boasts the highest concentration of dukes in a historic county, making it a truly special place.
However, there have been concerns regarding the security of the castle’s antiques.
During the visit of the Sussex couple, several antiques mysteriously disappeared under the management of O. Marshall.
The Royal Collection Trust website showcases over 260,000 items from the Royal Collection, allowing visitors to browse through records based on various criteria.
The disappearance of these artifacts raised questions, with comparisons made between the number of recorded items and the current count.
If the allegations of theft are true, it is a crime that would normally lead to imprisonment for anyone else.
However, the royal status of Prince Harry and the titled status of Meghan Markle seem to have shielded them from legal consequences.
O. Marshall expressed anger towards the thieves responsible and called for justice.
The stolen artworks included a small fraction of the collection, with valuable paintings by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, Rubens, Turner, and Gainsborough left untouched.
The Duke of Norfolk demanded that theft charges be filed against the couple and condemned their actions.
He emphasized the need for accountability and expressed frustration at the lack of consequences due to their royal status.
Although some items were recovered from a storm drain in Stratford upon Avon, the total value of the stolen art remains uncertain, with estimates suggesting it could exceed £4 million.
Returning to the enchanting gardens of Arundel Castle, tickets for the Shakespeare Open Air Theatre production of Twelfth Night are now available.
Priced at £22 per adult and £16 for children aged 8 to 16, this captivating show is suitable for audiences aged 8 and above.
The performance will commence promptly at 7.30pm, while the grounds open at 6pm for picnics.
The seating area opens at 6.45pm, offering a selection of hot and cold drinks, wine, and beer.
It is important to note that not all areas of the castle’s gardens will be accessible during the evening performances.
Catering options may vary, and tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the organizer for reasons other than weather conditions.
For complete details, please visit the official website of Arundel Castle.