Abbey Shakespeare Company

Based in the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire, the Abbey Shakespeare Players mixes live music and theatre to bring the works of William Shakespeare to life. Every summer, the theatre company produces a different play by the world famous playwright among the ruins of a 12th century abbey. Including the Summer 2013 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the Abbey Shakespeare Players have put on 27 productions of Shakespeare's works at the evocative St. Dogmael Abbey.

About the Abbey Shakespeare Players

The Abbey Shakespeare Players are an amateur theatre company based in St. Dogmales, Pembrokeshire. The company is comprised of actors and musicians based in local communities and throughout Great Britain. The Abbey Shakespeare Players perform one production of a Shakespeare play every summer, typically at the end of July and in early August. Productions include live music created in house with artists of varying experience, including beginners and members of national orchestras and companies.

History

Founded in 1987, the Abbey Shakespeare Players' first production was of Twelfth Night. Recent productions have included As You Like It, King Lear, The Winter's Tale, Antony & Cleopatra, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. The theatre company was founded by Ian Wood, Richard Carwardine and Clive Burgess, colleagues at Oxford University's Corpus Christi College.

Venue Information

Since its first performance in 1987, the Abbey Shakespeare Players have performed at St. Dogmeals Abbey. St. Dogmaels Abbey was founded in 1120 by the monks of the Tironensian Order. Today, much of the abbey is largely ruins, although a Coach House has been restored as a museum and visitor centre.

Summer performances by the Abbey Shakespeare Players are held in a temporary open-air theatre on the grounds of the St. Dogmaels Abbey. The venue features seating for theatregoers. Performances are staged amidst the ruins' arches and walls, creating a haunting and distinctive theatregoing experience. Refreshments and snacks are available from a café at the Coach House.

Location

St. Dogmaels is located on the B4546, approximately 1.25 miles (2 kilometres) west of Cardigan in the west of Wales. The village is accessible via the A487 from Cardigan. St. Dogmaels, which is also known as Llandudoch in Welsh, sits on the bank of the Afon Teifi. In addition to the 12th century abbey of the same name, St. Dogmaels is situated close to the popular Poppit Sands beach. The St. Dogmaels Abbey is accessible by local bus services to and from Cardigan or directly by car along the B4546, which provides access to the abbey and an on-site car park.

Contact Information

For general information and enquires, the Abbey Shakespeare Players may be reached by email at mail@abbeyshakespeare.co.uk or on 01239 613999. Additional information about upcoming performances and the theatre company may also be found at www.abbeyshakespeare.co.uk. Tickets for productions are available from the Theatr Mwldan box office in Cardigan on 01239 621200, by visiting Theatr Mwldan's website at www.mwldan.co.uk, or by purchasing tickets person at the gate in St. Dogmaels Abbey.

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