Two hearts. One fate. A timeless love reborn. The Dukes Theatre Company presents Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, a bold reimagining of the iconic tragedy directed by Joseph Pitcher. Pitchers acclaimed credits include Gypsy (UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production) and My Fair Lady at The Mill at Sonning, and Macbeth at the Salomons Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. Returning to the company following Macbeth (2025), this vibrant production also features original music by composerRob Millett (Rambert Dance Company and The Royal Opera House, The National Theatre and Shakespeares Globe). Audience Advisory: This performance of Romeo and Juliet contains themes and depictions of war, death, suicide and violence, which may be distressing for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised, and it is recommended for ticket holders aged seven and above. Running time: 2 hours, including a 15 minute interval. Gates open: 45 minutes before the performance. Tickets: E-tickets are preferred (to be shown on smart phones or tablets). Paper tickets are also accepted. If e-tickets or paper tickets are a problem for you, we can find your name on the system. Carers Tickets: All carers go free at our events. If you are an audience member who requires a carer to attend with you, please first of all book your own ticket, then email [email protected] with name, email address and booking number along withproof of the carers status and we will email you a complimentary carers ticket. We accept the following as proof of carers status: - Attendance Allowance Letter (AA) - Carers Allowance Letter of Award - Disability Living Allowance Letter (DLA) - Personal Independence Payments (PIP) - Armed Forces Independence Payments (AFIP) - Valid Blue Badge Note, this applies to venues where The Dukes Theatre Company Ltd are running the ticketing through the Ticketsource platform. For venues running their own ticketing, please see the venues own exchange/cancellation policy. Seating: Seating is not provided. Please bring fold up garden chairs, camping chairs or blankets. People on blankets will be advised to sit in the first 5 metres in front of the stage. The production is supported by a PA system, with each actor individually amplified. Getting Here: Follow the A338 towards Christchurch/Highcliffe. Our nearest train station is Hinton Admiral, which is a 15 minute walk away from the Castle. The X1 and X2 busses from Bournemouth stop outside the Lord Bute which is a 5 minute walk from the Castle Parking: Highcliffe Castle Car Park has 130 spaces and 6 blue badge spaces. This a pay and display car park owned and operated by BCP Council. Cash and mobile payment options available in the car park. Accessibility: The Castle grounds and lawns where the performance will take place are completely leveled access including access to the toilet facilities. Dogs: Except for assistance/guide dogs, we regret that we cannot admit any dogs or other pets to our performances. We appreciate that most dogs are well behaved, but it only takes one pinched meat pie or canine stage invasion, and chaos ensues! It has to be one rule for all. Toilets: Toilets are available in the car park before, during and after the performance. Food and Drink: You are welcome to bring a picnic along and refreshments will be available onsite. Weather and Cancellations: Please be prepared for performances to continue in all eventualities, with the exception of severe rain, heat or wind. For detailed weather and exchange policy, please click:https://www.thedukestheatrecompany.co.uk/weather-and-exchanges FAQs: For an extensive list of answers to frequently asked questions, click: https://www.thedukestheatrecompany.co.uk/faq

In this play Shakespeare explores Love in all its guises. Four pairs of soulmates meet in the mysterious Forest of Arden. One pair leap straight into bed. Another pair are instantaneously dumbstruck by each others beauty and pledge their undying troth. The third pair torment each other: he showers chaste love upon her which she haughtily rejects - yet secretly she enjoys the flattery. The fourth pair go further still, playfully blurring their roles and identities to such an extent that flirting becomes more pain than pleasure, and Love itself is pushed to the limit of its endurance and beyond. Throughout the summer Shakespeares iconic comedy will be performed where its action is set in the great outdoors, by a 5-strong cast of classically trained professional actors. Multi international award-winning Illyria has an unmatched reputation for excellence, forged over three decades, that dominates the outdoor touring theatre sector. Join them this summer for a memorable night of laughter and romance under the stars. Running time (approx): 140-minutes (inc 20 minute interval) Recommended for all ages. Bring your own seating/rug & picnic. The Castle Pantry tearooms will be open for refreshments untill after the interval. Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted. Venue is wheelchair accessible over gravel. Car parking near performance area -highcliffecastle.co.uk/facilities/car-park [https://www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/facilities/car-park]