Much Ado at Duns Castle - 10 July 2019

After the success of Hamlet last year, the hugely talented Shakespearean theatre troupe “The Three Inch Fools” return to perform their musical, humorous and brilliant interpretation of Much Ado About Nothing in the private grounds of Duns Castle on Wednesday 10th July 2019. Masters of their craft, they will provide an evening of family entertainment and bring a vibrant, engaging and fresh approach to what is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies.

The Three Inch Fools are a five-strong troupe of actors and do Shakespeare differently – a fast-paced, musically-driven style, using all sorts of different instruments, plenty of multi-roling and many a quick costume change along the way.

SYNOPSIS

Five actors, with all manner of musical instruments, present an inventive take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing – a rip-roaring comedy of quarrels, deceptions and a frustratingly stupid man called Dogberry.

Returning from the battlefield as brave soldiers, Claudio and Benedick find themselves battling feelings of the heart as they are reunited with Hero and Beatrice. A series of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and a scheming brother threatens to sabotage Claudio’s attempts to woo Hero. While Benedick and Beatrice find themselves stubbornly fighting their feelings for one another.

By means of “noting” (which, in Shakespeare’s day, sounded similar to “nothing” as in the play’s title, and which means gossip, rumour, and overhearing), Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked into rejecting his darling Hero at the altar on the erroneous belief that she has been unfaithful. Benedick and Beatrice join forces to set things right.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Since Duns Castle and its gardens are usually not open to the public, this is an exceptional opportunity. Seating will be on the lawn, and spectators are encouraged to bring camping chairs or, for a small price, reserve tables and chairs for the duration of the performance. Spectators should also dress according to the weather forecast and potentially cooler evening temperatures. A cash bar will be available onsite. Giacopazzi’s Ice Cream will also be on sale. Picnics are welcome. Spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol onto the premises and are kindly asked to dispose of all rubbish responsibly at the end of the performance.

TICKETS

Early Bird Tickets will be available (online only and in limited number) until 10th May 2019

(£10 Adult, £5 Child, £27.50 Family of 4)

Standard Tickets will apply (online only) from 11th May or once no Early Bird tickets remain and until 12pm 10th July 2019

(£12.50 Adult, £6.25 Child, £35 Family of 4)

Last Minute Tickets may be available at the door on 10th July if space allows

(£15 Adult, £7.50 Child, £40 Family of 4).

Free Admittance for Under 5‘s.

Please note: There will be no online ticket sales after 12pm on the 10th July 2019.

BOOK TICKETS HERE (Eventbrite) or via BORDER EVENTS. Booking Agency Fees and Conditions apply.

Free Parking will be available onsite in a designated area. No parking on the grass verges please.

A limited number of the castle’s garden tables and chairs may be reserved (£5 Table, £1 Chair) by emailing business@dunscastle.co.uk (payment upon arrival). Spectators may bring their own picnic tables and chairs and are kindly asked, in the interests of their fellow spectators, to only occupy the minimum space that their comfort requires. An area for picnic rugs will be allocated in front of the stage.

We anticipate the following timings:

Access will be permitted from 5.30pm (pedestrians via Castle Street and cars via Main Entrance)
Ice-Cream & Bar (cash basis) operational from 5.30pm
Spectators are advised to arrive by 6pm in time for the arrival of the Cavalcade*
Reiver’s Cavalcade passes through the property (via. Castle Street) 6.10pm – 6.30pm*
The performance will commence at 6.30pm (or shortly after)*
Act I: 6.30pm – 7.45pm (approx)
Interval from 7.45pm to 8pm (approx)
Act II from 8pm – 8.45pm (approx)
Meet and mix with the actors 8.45pm – 9.15pm
Bar closes at 9.15pm
Departure by 9.30pm (via Castle Street or Main Drive)

*This performance takes place during the week of The Duns Summer Festival (7-13 July). Shortly prior to the performance (6.10pm-6.30pm) a cavalcade of approximately 50 horses and riders, led by the Reiver and the Reiver’s Lass, will arrive for the traditional Ceremony of the Rose at the castle. This ceremony dates back to when an ancestor of Alexander Hay (current laird), purchased some common grazing land from the community but agreed for the grazing of the land to continue in exchange for the presentation of a single red rose once a year to the lady of the castle. Although the land is no longer required for grazing, the Ceremony of the Rose continues and this will provide an additional moment of enjoyment for the spectators gathered for the performance which will start immediately after the departure of the cavalcade at 6.30pm or very shortly thereafter.

The Venue

Steeped in history, Duns Castle is one of the oldest family homes in Scotland. This majestic, hidden gem of the Scottish Borders, sits as the centrepiece of a beautiful 1200-acre estate, a haven of tranquility with its own nature reserve, forest trails, extensive lawns and pastureland. Here the hospitality is as authentic and enchanting as Duns Castle itself which unsurprisingly recently starred in a global campaign linked to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Winner of “Venue of the Year” and “Customer Experience of the Year” at the 2017 Scottish Event Awards, the castle is not open to the public except for special events but accepts exclusive-use bookings and offers accommodation for up to 23 guests, private tours and bespoke activities. The 7 holiday cottages on the estate can sleep a further 33 guests.

If you wish to reserve accommodation please contact our Castle Administrator on 01361 883211 or by email at info@dunscastle.co.uk.

Thank you. We wish you an enjoyable performance.

(Photos © Duns Castle Estate)

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

There are no minimum age requirements however spectators should be aware that some Shakespearean humour may be lost on very young children. The organisers reserve the right to request proof of age for Child Ticket purchases.

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Duns Castle is within easy walking distance (5-10 minutes) of the town of Duns. Spectators may arrive by car (via the Main Entrance only) and free parking will be available in a designated area. Drivers are not permitted to park on the grass verges of the drive.

What measures should I take in anticipation of the Cavalcade passing through?

All spectators are reminded that a cavalcade of 50+ horses and riders will be accessing the estate via Castle Street at around 6pm, arriving at the castle at approximately 6.10pm. All spectators are advised to be at the castle by 6pm if possible. Those spectators arriving after 6pm are kindly asked to remain vigilant, calm and courteous to the cavalcade, stepping aside and giving the horses a wide berth to allow them to pass through. Please refrain from making any sudden movements or noise that could spook the horses.

What can I bring into the event?

Camping/folding chairs are encouraged and warm clothing. Wet-weather clothing subject to the weather forecast. Spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol onto the premises. Drinks will be available onsite on a cash basis. Picnics are welcome.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact our Castle Administrator on 01361 883211 or by email at info@dunscastle.co.uk

What’s the refund policy?

Tickets will only be refunded in the unlikely event of cancellation due to extreme weather.