What do a vivacious vicar, an ambitious warrior and a host of Monty Python characters have in common? They’re all part of this year’s Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival. Everyman Theatre, Cardiff’s premier drama company, has just announced this summer’s programme of outdoor shows.
Now the largest event of its kind outside London, organisers promise 2017 will be the biggest event in its 35-year history. Macbeth, The Vicar of Dibley and Spamalot are among the seven shows being staged in Sophia Gardens during the month-long festival in June & July.
Taking on the role of Macbeth in one of Shakespeare’s darkest dramas is Steven Smith. He played Bottom in an RSC production of Midsummer Night’s Dream to critical acclaim.
Tickets for the festival are already selling well – with record takings so far. The event attracts 20,000 people to Sophia Gardens every summer. Festival director Paul Williams said organising it was like “birthing an elephant”.
He said: “We have a team of around 200 people working or volunteering at the festival. It’s such a big part of Cardiff’s summer. So many passionate people get involved, and it’s brilliant to see how much the audience enjoy it – it makes all the hard work worth it. We’re proud to offer theatre of the highest quality without an elitist price tag.”
Newcomer Fiona Porter will play beloved Vicar Geraldine in an adaptation of the well-loved family sitcom The Vicar of Dibley. She said: ” I’m thrilled to be bringing this wonderful and hugely loved character to the festival! Its always been a favourite of mine and I know the audiences will love what we’re going to do!”
Meanwhile Everyman stalwart Brian Smith, who delighted audiences as Blackadder in 2014/2015, will be taking on another comic historical role – King Arthur in Monty Python’s Spamalot. Also performing in Spamalot as the Lady of the Lake is Laura Phillips. Last year she played the Baker’s Wife in the festival’s acclaimed production of Sondheim’s Into The Woods.
She gave a preview of her role as the Lady at the festival’s launch event Thursday evening (9 March).
It was held at No.10 on Cathedral Road. The venue – formerly Jolyon’s – has formed a partnership with this year’s festival and will provide theatre goers with pre-show suppers.
Disney’s Aladdin Junior, Everyman Youth’s take on Twelfth Night, a cabaret night and a charity comedy night complete this year’s offering of diverse drama and entertainment.
- Tickets are now on sale at cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk or box office 0333 666 3366
- facebook.com/cardiffopenairtheatrefest
- twitter.com/CdfOpenAirfest
- Instagram.com/everymancardiff
