Burton Constable Hall and Lit Up will premiere a new play this spring, revealing the surprising story behind the scenes of one of the East Riding’s most treasured stately homes, and legendary 18th century gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
Written and directed by Rachel Feldberg, director of Ilkley Literature Festival, Mr Brown’s Directions is a complex story of love, loss, entanglement and disagreements.
Following William Constable Esq. and his determination to transform his parkland into the height of fashion, the play examines his relationships with sister Winifred and faithful steward John Raines and their dogged attempts to aid, abet and sometimes block his plans ahead of Brown’s visit to Holderness.
Lit Up is the East Riding’s festival of words, celebrating all aspects of writing across the East Riding, from Bridlington to Beverley. Lit Up Director Dorcas Taylor says:
“I’m delighted to be working with Burton Constable and Rachel to bring the story of Capability Brown and his dealings with the Constable family to life. It’s a fascinating story, and the archive material is ripe for transforming into drama.
“We love bringing literature to life in unusual ways and this is just another example of the diverse range of work we’re proud to be supporting. As East Riding of Yorkshire Council is a prinicipal partner of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, it’s the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of the East Riding’s wider literary holdings.”
Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown – often called ‘England’s greatest gardener’ – designed over 170 parks, many of which still endure. The result of months of research, and featuring sumptuous costumes, live music and an incredible eye for historical detail, Mr Brown’s Directions is a unique opportunity to eavesdrop on the events leading up to and during his redevelopment of the extensive Burton Constable parklands.
Curator at Burton Constable Hall, Kelly Wainwright, says:
“Burton Constable is one of the best-documented examples of a landscape worked by Capability Brown and it’s really exciting to be able to take this remarkable and unique archive material and transform it into an exclusive piece of theatre.
“Rachel has been brilliant to work with. She’s so attentive to detail and a huge amount of research has gone into making sure this performance is not only witty and entertaining, but paints a true picture of the encounters that took place at Burton Constable in the 18th century. We’re also delighted to be offering a special afternoon tea in the Great Hall with the 2pm performances, something we wouldn’t normally do.”
Mr Brown’s Directions will be performed at in the opulent Chippendale Room at Burton Constable Hall for two days only – Friday 10 March at 2pm and 7pm, and again on Saturday 11 March at 2pm and 7pm.
Afternoon performances are followed by an exclusive afternoon tea in the Great Hall, and evening performances include refreshments.
A limited number of tickets are available online at www.litup.org.uk or by phoning the box office on 01482 392 699.
