Durham to celebrate 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's First Folio

A ‘Summer of Shakespeare’ is to be held in Durham marking 400 years since the collection of some of his most famous plays was published.

Performances are set to be held on the Palace Green, just yards from where the First Folio is kept.It was initially brought to the uni in 1669.

It is kept at the Palace Green Library under lock and key, after being stolen in 1998 and going missing for 10 years, sparking an international search.

Read more: When Durham Uni's copy of rare multi-million pound Shakespeare book went missing

Durham-based Elysium Theatre Company, Durham Fringe Festival and Durham University are coming together for the first time to bring a variety of Shakespeare’s plays to life.

Throughout June, students from the university are putting on dozens of musical and theatrical interpretations of his plays.

Durham based Elysium Theatre Company rehearsing for a 'Summer of Shakespeare' pictured lead actors HannahEllis Ryan playing Lady Macbeth and Danny Solomon playing Macbeth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The final performances will be part of Durham Fringe Festival (DFF), featuring more than 60 productions including interpretations of Shakespeare, staged at six venues across the city from July 26-30.

Jake Murray, Artistic Director at Elysium Theatre Company, said: “We are thrilled to be launching the Durham Shakespeare Festival this year. And what better time to do so than the 400th Anniversary of the First Folio of Shakespeare’s Complete Works.

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“Shakespeare is truly for everyone, and it’s a joy to bringing his work to the people of Durham and the wider North East with two top-notch home grown productions filled with actors who grew up here.”

Professor Janet Stewart, Executive Dean of Arts and Humanities at Durham Uni, said: “We are incredibly proud to have one of Shakespeare’s First Folios within our collections.

“Our celebrations, through a Summer of Shakespeare, mark the 400th anniversary of the Folios and are part of our deep-rooted commitment to supporting community, culture, creativity and heritage in our City, County and the North East.”