Digging for Shakespeare
Meet James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps, 19th-century joker and world-renowned Shakespearean scholar who lived on the outskirts of Brighton. There in his 'rustic wigwam' (a series of conjoined sheds), he obsessively curated a huge hoard of Shakespearean rarities.
Marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, artist Marc Rees has devised a unique promenade performance through Roedale Allotments, close to the site of this eccentric recluse's former home. Explore sheds and hideaways, discover an assortment of Shakespearean characters reborn in knitted form, and gather a wealth of horticultural tips along the way.
You’ll also meet the Allotmenteers and other community participants, so bring your favourite packeted variety and join in with the final seed swap!
Creative team
Artist - Marc Rees
Producer - Polly Barker
James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps - Guillermo Weickert Molina
Expert - Charles Nicholl (read his article in The Guardian, Shakespeare's Scholar Tramp)
William Shakespeare image - Pure Evil
Map & Plant Illustrator - Rose Waterson
Knitted Characters - Annie Hardy
Birnam Wood - Hollingbury Park Bowls Club
The Fairies - Community Youth Cast
We would like to specially thank Amos from RAGS, for all his horticultural knowledge & hard work over the past year. We are grateful to Hollingbury Golf Course and the Friends of Hollingbury and Burstead Woods for their support. A big thank you also to the Community Cast members that we are working with to create this production.
Get involved
If you are interested in taking part in the Youth Cast please email [javascript protected email address] or
Travel
There is no parking available at this location. Remember that the return bus journey from Old Steine (included in your ticket) is part of the performance, so it's best not to miss it!
