The Tempest

No…not the weather!  A performance of the Shakespeare play by ‘The Lord Chamberlain’s Men’, an all-male travelling troupe of players who were performing in the beautiful walled garden at Holkham Hall.  They are excellent, and not only do they play more than one part when needed (there were 7 of them) they also play any female parts too (as was done in Shakespeare’s day).
Watching it outside with no additional outside lighting, is particularly atmospheric when darkness falls, and the only lighting is the footlights on the stage (that you can see behind the two players who kindly posed for me).  The occasional hoot of an owl adds to the air of drama too.  They have a small tent behind the stage where all the costume changes take place, how on earth they manage so well with such limited facilities is just amazing. This is the third year we’ve been to see them at Holkham and with the accompaniment of husband and best friend, and a rather nice picnic it makes for a brilliant evening’s entertainment.
http://www.tlcm.co.uk/

It did get a tad chilly later on, but we went prepared, wearing our winter walking clothes and a torch for the outside loos!