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AS YOU LIKE IT : OPEN-AIR SHAKESPEAREAN THEATRE TO RAISE VITAL FUNDS FOR SHELTER
On Wednesday 31 August , The Lord Chamberlain ’ s Men touring company will perform William Shakespeare ’ s comedy , As You Like It , in the picturesque setting of Claremont Farm in Bebington to help raise essential funds for the housing and homelessness charity Shelter .
One of the UK ’ s finest touring companies will perform this sparkling comedy in its traditional form : in the open air , by an all-male cast , with Elizabethan costumes , music , and dance . The performance kicks off at 7pm allowing ticket holders to settle down and watch this classic romantic comedy as the sun goes down .
Funds raised from this enchanting sunset performance will help Shelter ’ s frontline services to continue providing free and expert help to thousands of people facing homelessness , as well as helping the charity to campaign for lasting change .
Homelessness is a major issue in the North West and Shelter is needed more than ever . More than 12,500 people in the region , including more than 5,500 children , were officially recorded as homeless at the end of last year . This includes people sleeping rough on the streets and families living in temporary accommodation .
Pauline Cox , Regional Community Fundraiser for Shelter Merseyside , said : “ This special outdoor performance of ' As You Like It ' is set to be a spectacular evening . By coming along , the community can enjoy a night of original Shakespearean comedy in the open air , while helping Shelter to continue to be there for people who don ’ t have anywhere safe to call home .
“ Thousands of people in the North West are homeless , many are families with children . Shelter ’ s work to fight the housing emergency , and provide practical help and advice to people , is vital . Our emergency helpline is open 365 days a year so that no-one has to face homelessness alone – but we cannot continue to do this without the amazing support of the public and our partners .
“ We are incredibly grateful to everyone who buys a ticket and comes along to this event , and we can ’ t thank The Lord Chamberlain ’ s Men and Claremont Farm enough for their support in making this dazzling night of theatre possible .”
' As You Like It ' tells the story of Rosalind who is banished to the Forest of Arden and joined by her cousin Celia . While in exile , the heroines find love in the most curious of disguises . Free from the constraints of their former lives , lovers tussle , wits and fools spar , familial bonds are challenged , and everyone wrestles with what it really means to be yourself .
While in exile , they become exultant as true love and true identity are found in the forest . This rustic romance , packed with music and laughs will keep you smiling from start to finish .
Ticket holders must bring their own chair and dress for the weather as the show will continue in all but the very worst conditions . Food and a cash bar are available on site .
Gates open at 6pm and the show starts promptly at 7pm with a running time of two hours 15 minutes including a 15 minute interval . Tickets are available at www . sheltermerseyside . org . uk .
14 wirrallife . com