Chelsea Buckthorp

Celia Rees reads from her latest book at the opening of Lincoln Shakespeare Festival

The Lincoln Shakespeare Festival kicked off on Friday night at the Drill Hall with Jukebox Shakespeare and guest speaker Celia Rees.

The Chapter House Theatre Company will put on an array of Shakespearean spectacles in the city this weekend, including performances of Taming of the Shrew and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

There will also be free demonstrations in the Bailgate and Castle Square repeated at various times throughout Saturday followed by an Elizabethan Parade that will be leaving St Paul’s at 1.00pm on Sunday.

The festival got off to a great start with a presentation from Celia Rees, the bestselling author of Witch Child, reading extracts from her latest title The Fool’s Girl, a story inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

Rees explains that she hopes that her books go someway to making Shakespeare more accessible to her teenage readership.

“My books are much more accessible as they are not actually of the period, I’m writing them.

“So hopefully I can help the reader access something of the style of the time and the way in which they might have spoken, might have written and how they might have thought, but I translate it so that a modern reader can dwell in it but it is not like they have been thrown completely into that world.”

Shakespeare himself appears in Rees’ story, she admits that writing him as a character was a challenge but that she had a lot of fun creating the tale behind the inspiration for her favourite Shakespearean play.

The evening began with performances from the Chapter House Theatre Company acting out a selection of Shakespearean speeches chosen by the audience.

Showcasing their talents, and whetting some whistles for the weekend ahead, they did a great job of entertaining the crowd:

“It’s been great! I asked them to read All the world’s a stage, they read it very well. I think Chapter House is one of the Jewels of Lincoln,” said Paul Halfyard.

“I think it has gone very well! Tonight has been a great opportunity for the actors to read parts they wouldn’t normally get a chance to play. This is a great group. They all work really well together. I’m very excited to see how the play goes tomorrow night,” added Rebecca Gadsby, director of Taming of the Shrew.

The Taming of the Shrew will be playing at Lincoln Drill Hall, Saturday 3rd September at 7.30 pm and A Midsummer Nights Dream will be playing on Sunday 4th September at the open air theatre at The Lawn at 6pm. Ticket prices vary.

More events part of the festival are listed on the Lincoln Shakespeare Festival Facebook page.

Tired of waiting for service in the city centre, or just want to get away from the crowds? Avoid the hustle and bustle of the High Street this summer and head over to these five relaxing spots of Lincoln, which you may have not realised even existed.

— Additional reporting by Lauren Westwood, photography by Kelly Moore

The Dog and Bone, John Street

You’ll have to trail off the beaten track a bit to discover this charming venue. The quaint pub has everything you need to enjoy an evening of entertainment with friends. It boasts a beautiful beer garden that oozes with personality, but whatever the weather, if you choose a game of darts or opt for one of the many board games, there are hours of fun to be had.

The Lawn (Lincoln’s secret garden), Union Road

The Lawn offers a great day out for anyone looking for something different to do with the kids before they head back to school. For an adventurous day out on your own doorstep, why not try the innovatively designed play park, or head to the tropical Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory, where nature fanatics can explore the exotic aquarium? Also look out for the secret garden hidden within the stone walls.

The Bishops’ Palace, Minster Yard

This English Heritage site is just a stone’s throw away from the cathedral. The heritage building and beautiful garden are open to the public every day until the end of October except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A family ticket will only cost you £11.40. Steeped in history, this preserved palace is a great place to visit with the whole family. It’s easy to get to, but not so easy to find… so keep your eyes peeled for the medieval haven.

Bar 67, Northgate

Hidden below the Lincoln Hotel is swanky wine cellar, Bar ’67. The extensive wine list boasts plenty of grape-based goodness to tickle the taste buds as well as a selection of cured meats, cheeses and olives for those after a light snack. Bottles start at £15 and there’s a great range of spirits, beers and soft drinks too. With bags of atmosphere, cosy seating and a fantastic location opposite the cathedral, this snug saloon is the perfect place to spend an evening out on the tiles.

Bail House Tea Rooms, Bailgate

If you fancy a cake and a cuppa, then head to the Bail House Tea Rooms and discover Lincoln’s very own slice of paradise. From the cobbled street, this quaint little café may resemble your average tea room, but at the back sits a luscious haven with ample seating, a children’s play area (complete with trampoline) and plenty of character. On a sunny day there’s no prettier place to perch. Visitors may also wish to take advantage of the luxurious Bail House Hotel located just next door.