Barrie Palmer, former actor with the RSC and present British Shakespeare Company member works for the BSC from Stratform-Upon-Avon in a never ending search for sponsorship and support. If you can think of a sponsor or want to offer your support contact him bp@britishshakespearecompany.com. We watched “Dream” last night and enjoyed a few drinks with some of the cast we know. This is such a super town and the courtyard theatre is a very nice space. The old RSC theatre is a building site at present and it will be interesting to see what they make of it. They are spending £20 million so it should be something to see when it opens 2010. In the meantime you have the BSC performing across the UK. Please feel free to comment.

We have just received advance copies of Shakespeare Scene which launches in June but is now on sale. It is impressive and very informative with information on Shakespeare from across the globe and listings of professional and even amateur Shakespearian theatre from around the world (although it does not seperate these so make sure you check). All in all a fantastic read for fans of the Bard and we recommend it.

I have just returned from a wonderful day at Arundel Castle. The Collector Earl’s Garden was opened today by Prince Charles. This stunning Garden and magical ‘Oberon’s Palace’ will be the setting and backdrop for our Arundel Festival production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the 29th and 30th of August 2008 in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk. ‘Oberon’s Palace’ is a fantastic spectacle designed by Inigo Jones for Prince Henry’s Masque on New Year’s Day 1611 only five years after A Midsummer Night’s Dream was first presented. Inspired by Shakespeare’s production and designed by one of histories greatest architects and theatre designers it will be a magnificent and inspirational setting. This very special event will sell out very quickly so please book early.

We are delighted to have received a book from Norway today that will be required reading for all school children in Norway. They have a section on myself and the BSC where I enthuse about the importance of Shakespeare in performance. We will also be included in required reading for Canadian school children. It is good to know we are reaching so far afield and I am sure this would be a shock to my own English teacher.

There is a 6th Month Washington Shakespeare Festival taking place until June 2008. Here is an interesting artical about it in the New York Times regarding the festival and the many Globe theatres around the world. Including a picture of an ice globe that will be constructed in Sweden.

A company is already offering trips to Oak Island the site brought into question by the film we have been working on. The film will be released at the end of the year and will be controversial in the world of Shakespeare. We are very proud of the many Shakespeare scenes the BSC have created and we will keep you posted with a release date. You are welcome to comment.