William Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet
THIS IS MY THEATRE (Sussex)
Saturday 8th June 2019, 7.30pm, St Nicholas Church, Swafield
Romeo & Juliet’s original language was combined with ‘This is My Theatre’s signature mix of choral song, live music and thrilling fight choreography.
What people said about the performance at St Nicholas:
“Many congratulations on that wonderful evening last night. By far the best theatre experience I have ever had, completely encompassing and at one with the medieval church. We both felt overcome by it. Thank you!”
“Thanks to you for another enjoyable evening! I had to keep dodging the daggers from my prime position in the pews! And the music really added to the experience. The actors were all well trained. (I think Romeo actually really loved Juliet in real life!) … It was as close as I will ever get to a stage play again unless you all put on another one !! Please do!“
Members of the cast 2019: Matt Tweddle, Harry Boaz, George Turner, Ethan Taylor, Hazel Caulfield and Simon Stallard. Artistic director and choreographer – Sarah Slator.
THIS IS MY THEATRE is a Sussex based theatre company which was formed in 2016 from talented young actors and musicians. Theis first production was Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, performed in 2016 at St Botolph’s Church (South Downs near Steyning). Due to the great popularity of the performance This is My Theatre then toured Sussex and Surrey later in 2016 and haven’t looked back since. Now THIS IS MY THEATRE with great success tours all over the country and performs in historical paces like medieval churches and National Trust venues. In May 2019 their tour with Macbeth received a lot of very positive reviews.
Photos of the performance at St Nichoals Church in Swafield are here
Last year THIS IS MY THEATRE brought to Norfolk (Thorpe Market) A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This production mixed music and theatre in such a magical way and was so successful that the Trunch Concerts committee invited them to perform their most critically acclaimed Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet at St Nicholas Church (Swafield) in 2019.
St Nicholas’ Church of Swafield that we now see dates from the late 15th century, the same time as when Romeo and Juliet was written (although the tower is from the 14th century). The church is built in the perpendicular style with large windows and a thatched roof. It has a beautiful position on the hill on the road to Trunch and has a lot of interesting features within. As you enter, look up and admire the unusual carvings of flowers and faces which decorate the apex of the impressive roof. It is possible that these carvings were a part of the earlier roof – or they may have been reused from another church. They must have formed part of a screen or cornice and have tantalizingly broken edges. Because they are high up and difficult to see, there are photographs in a frame on the north wall. On the same wall, there is a beautiful carving of Jesus Christ on the Cross.
St Nicholas of Swafield is in the Parish of Trunch.
Tickets: £12.5 general admission, £5 under 16. Tickets in advance – Trunch corner stores, phone 01263 722072.
All proceeds are donated to Parish of Trunch Churches conservation and restoration projects.