News


As Yewe Like It - Big Ears, the sheep secures starring role

	At the ripe old age of eight, Big Ears the sheep is about to make her acting debut in the Dean Taylor Associates open air production of William Shakespeare's As You Like It at Hoghton Tower. When the Director, Dean Taylor, was putting together the programme he felt that, given the outdoor venue, the character of Corin the shepherd would appear much more credible if accompanied by a live sheep. Widespread enquiries were made around Hoghton, and Mrs Sheila Whittle, the owner of Big Ears, willingly came to the rescue. Big Ears was orphaned as a lamb and Mrs Whittle hand raised her, and she has remained a firm favourite with the family ever since. Mrs Whittle says "she is an absolutely perfect sheep for the role, she happily walks on a collar and lead, is quite used to people and will not be at all fazed by the responsibility of working with actors". Actor, Tony Bond who plays Corin the shepherd and has Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and has numerous film credits to his name said "in all my acting career I've never before been asked to act with a sheep. However, Big Ears is a real pro and I'm sure she's going to be a scene stealer." Quite apart from being a family pet, Big Ears is a busy mother and had two healthy lambs earlier this spring. Latest reviews available on the Reviews page.

'As You Like It' Launch Night at Hoghton Tower
As the performance of 'As You Like It' draws closer, the press and special guests were invited to a special preview night at Hoghton Tower. Dean Taylor, the director pictured together with the producer Russell Atkinson along with Sir Bernard de Hoghton and Lady de Hoghton and two of the actresses presented a series of sonnets as a taster of to expect from the performances which start from Thursday 10th June 2004.

'As You Like It' announced for Summer 2004

	Following the highly successful inauguration of 'Shakespeare at the Tower' in 2003, we are delighted to announce that we will be doing it all again in 2004. Shakespeare's popular comedy 'As You Like It' will be performed for just over a fortnight with two performances each day starting from June 10th 2004 with the final curtain falling on the 27th of June. See the 'Ticket Info' page for more details.

	'Twelfth Night' launches Shakespeare At The Tower to popular success


	Shakespeare's Twelfth Night proved a popular success for Shakespeare At The Tower's inauguration in July 2003. A experienced and professional cast brought the characters to life within the historic surroundings of Hoghton Tower. Many of the evening performances were sold out and the matinees proved just as popular with local schools taking the opportunity to witness Shakespeare first hand and the pupils also given the chance to engage with the cast in drama workshops. Even the weather was kind for nearly the all of the 29 performances over a two week run. All the public response was highly positive along with the local press reviews which were also highly positive. These reviews and performance photos can be found in the 'Past Performances' archive.

Shakespeare At The Tower Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston, Lancashire, England, PR5 0SH Tel : Fax : Email : Director - Dean Taylor I Producer - Russell Atkinson Website designed and maintained by Rob Randell@RJRStudios