Shakespeare in Wordsworth’s garden

Here’s something that William Wordsworth would enjoy heartily! Shakespeare is coming to his garden, and you’re all invited to come along.

The Duke’s Theatre Company is famous for taking classical drama, and some new work, to open air venues around the country, and they are coming to Rydal Mount on Saturday August 5 with their vivacious production of Twelfth Night.

Whether you’re an audience member in 2023 or back in 1602, you could be forgiven for thinking that this was going to be the darkest of  tragedies. What could be more nightmarish than to lose your twin sibling in a furious storm at sea and to think they’d died?
 
In fact, a romantic comedy unfolds with a madcap farce at its heart. The  broadest of broad humour (poor Malvolio tricked into absurdity) mixes with moments of unbearable pathos (listen out for Sir Anthony  Aguecheek’s wistful “I was adored once, too”).

 
 “We don’t want to give any more away, even though we’re so excited to be presenting our new  production,” said their spokesman. “ Suffice to say it all works out in the end, in a way that only Shakespeare would carry off.
 
 “What can you expect from a Duke’s Theatre Company performance? The full  text in all its glory; innovative production design to support the unparalleled energy of our wonderful cast; original music so that  Shakespeare’s songs are heard in a whole new way – and all we ask is  that you come prepared for a wonderful time.”

So do come and join us. Book your tickets here: https://www.thedukestheatrecompany.co.uk/event-details/ambleside-rydal-mount-7-00pm

Peace wins poetry award

A moving poem by a Year 5 pupil has won this year’s Rydal Mount Wordsworth Prize for Young Poets.

Scarlett Swift, who was at Windermere School when she wrote the poem on the theme of Peace, was presented with her prize at Rydal Mount by Christopher Wordsworth Andrew, the great great great great grandson of William Wordsworth. Scarlett has since moved to Northumberland.

Christopher read her poem at the award ceremony attended by children with their teachers and parents. Scarlett’s name is now on a plaque which will be on display at the house which was Wordsworth’s home for most of his life, alongside a framed copy of the poem. She also won a book of poems and a £50 cash prize.

Christopher and his mother, Susan, judged the poems in the annual contest and he said that they were both very moved by Scarlett’s words. Four youngsters from local primary schools were also given book prizes: Lily Best (Goodly Dale), Florence Helme (Windermere), Esme Larkin (Ambleside) and Ella Weiss (Storth). Alessia Musetti from The Lakes School won a book in the high school category. And certificates of commendation were handed out to 14 other young poets, out of more than 100 who took part.

“We were very moved by the heartfelt message in Scarlett’s poem,” said Christopher. “As always, we are thrilled to see young people here taking an interest in poetry and hoping to write more in the future.”

Scarlett’s poem:

Finding Peace 

My Nan finds peace in a sunny day, on Blake Fell, right at the top,  

My friend Indie finds peace in Kendal swimming pool, while avoiding the random belly flop,  

Jennifer finds peace in Windermere  on a shimmering  sailing boat, 

Enjoying the breeze,  while soaring above the waves, perfectly afloat.

My Grandma, in her care home in Carlisle, tries in vain but can’t find peace, 

The kind staff try to help her but the dementia stops her finding it, so she phones the police.

I find peace in my puppy Smurf’s soft and slobbery snuggles, 

My cousin Esmé finds peace at Cogra Moss in wet and muddy puddles.

Wordsworth found peace at Cockermouth with his daffodils, 

My dad finds his peace at the end of the month, when he pays all the  invoices and bills.

I hope you find your peace in whatever form it takes, 

And remember when you do,  to cherish it, a hidden treasure amongst the dull, material keepsakes.