Curtain call for a Royal affair: Acting students break a leg with performance of The Tempest at Apethorpe Palace

All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women – or Acting students – from the University of Northampton were merely players in their recent performance of a Shakespearean classic.

Last week (Saturday 1 July), the University of Northampton’s talented class of second-year Acting students took a bow to welcome spectators as they performed their adaptation of William Shakespeare’s, The Tempest, in Apethorpe Palace’s grand ‘Long Gallery.’

Their performance followed on the coat tails of similar historic performances exhibited in Apethorpe Palace’s Long Gallery more than 400 years ago – of which, The Tempest was one performed.

The students were inspired by a series of Shakespearean ‘court masques’ – dramatic spectacles popular in England throughout the first half of the 17th Century – which were written and performed for King James I in the very same room where they took to the stage on Saturday evening.

Their dramatic and exciting performance of The Tempest was enjoyed by distinguished local and international guests, including UON’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shan Wareing, Dean of Emmanuel College, Lt. Gen. Douglas Chalmers, Baron and Baroness Pfetten, as well as esteemed international dignitaries.

As a result of the high standard displayed by the University’s students, Baron and Baroness Pfetten have said they intend to continue this first experience with students at the University of Northampton in the coming years.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, John Sinclair said: “I was both proud and honoured to be able to support our second-year Acting students with presenting The Tempest in the magnificent and historic surrounding of Apethorpe Palace.

“The University of Northampton’s Acting programme offers a conservatoire style of training which requires our student actors to be dedicated and committed to their craft. They undergo rigorous physical, vocal and psychological training which both challenges and rewards them.

“Performing such a well-known piece of the Shakespeare canon in such an iconic venue allows us to showcase the immense talents of the young people who train with us and the staff who teach them.”

Chairman of the Acting Supporters Circle (ASC) Martin Lawrence reflected on the success of the students’ performance: “The Acting programme at the University of Northampton are supported by the ASC to raise student confidence, experience and recognise achievement. Members have raised funds for properties, sets and costumes for third-year end performances.

“We are delighted that, as a result of the generosity of Baron and Baroness Pfetten, our students have had the opportunity to perform at Apethorpe Palace. The proceeds from this fundraising event will be available for the enhancement of final-year productions, which we look forward to seeing in the coming months!”

Find out more about studying Acting at the University of Northampton.