Rutland Open Air Theatre

I’ve just returned from a great ski group reunion weekend in Lincolnshire. On Saturday evening, our hosts took us to the Rutland Open Air Theatre for a performance of Othello by the Stamford Shakespeare Company.
This is a stunning venue, being based around the manor house dating back to the 11^th century. There are very pretty grounds and theatregoers do picnic on the lawns before the performance but the rain yesterday meant we didn’t have the chance to do this.
The Stamford Shakespeare Company put on 3 open air plays a year. The theatre itself offers a large canopy over the seated audience area but the stage is out in the open. Fortunately, the rain stayed away during yesterday’s performance but I was assured by my local friends that whatever the weather, the show does go on.
I wouldn’t call myself a Shakespeare fan but last night’s performance may just have converted me. I was riveted and this tale of deceit, jealousy and betrayal was a roller coaster of emotions. My only regret was the Stamford Shaekspeare Company’s tradition of not having a curtain call at the end of the play — the ‘dead’ actors remained on the stage until the theatre had emptied. They deserved a standing ovation.
And to top it off, the tickets cost £16 each! This is an evening of top entertainment, even if you don’t consider yourself a fan of the bard. Thanks to my friends Ian and Alice for organising this superb evening.