SHAKESPEARE returns to Ludlow next month with a top quality, locally produced performance of The Tempest by award-winning Rooftop Theatre Company at Ludlow Brewery

Rooftop Theatre Company sprang onto the Shropshire theatre scene in last year’s Ludlow Fringe with a sell-out production of The Comedy of Errors, at Ludlow Brewery. They followed this with Henry V in February of this year, bringing in even more audiences and reinforcing their reputation for compelling performances and a fresh take on the Bard. The company will again be bringing their original approach to Shakespeare with his later masterpiece The Tempest during the last week of the Fringe with a further two performances the following week.

Winners of Best Shakespeare Producers in the Fringe Report Awards 2012, Rooftop Theatre Company are passionate about presenting the Bard’s plays with clarity and energy; and to do so in an understandable and exciting way which appeals both to those who love Shakespeare and those who are apprehensive about him.

Artistic directors Paul Sayers and Simon Bolton have forged a close relationship with Friends of Ludlow Arts, who sponsor aspects of their productions, and Wild Edric Media who provide the sound, lighting and filming. All their actors for The Tempest live within 20 miles of Ludlow including some from previous productions and others new to the company. Morgan Rees-Davies who played Chorus and Fluellen in Henry V takes the leading role of Prospero and RADA trained Daniel Wilby, a new member of the company, will be Ariel.

“We have found some excellent actors, amazing support and collaboration in Ludlow," says Paul Sayers. "We thrive in this positive environment and are delighted to bringing more Shakespeare this summer, and to be the only one in town.”

Simon Bolton adds: “When people tell us that our production was the first Shakespeare they actually understood and the most enjoyable they had seen, it really makes all the effort worthwhile and shows that our unconventional approach works.”

The Tempest will be at The Brewery in Ludlow from Tuesday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 7. To book, call Ludlow Assembly Rooms box office on 01584 878141 or visit ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk