‘Shakespeare in Hinckley’ celebrated at St George’s Day festivities

Performed by Red River Youth Theatre the play has been funded by the Hinckley High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), an initiative supported by Historic England designed to promote, restore and revitalise Hinckley’s high street area. The first in a programme of artistic and cultural activities, encouraging the community to discover and celebrate Hinckley’s history and rich heritage, including its people, businesses, and buildings. 

The play lasts for around 30 minutes and explores the imagined story of how William Shakespeare regains his ability to write plays following the death of his son, Hamnet. 

In the tale, he travels to Hinckley Fair (which is mentioned in Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 2) to buy a new horse. However, he finds himself robbed, before meeting a woman who inspires him and then spends a night sleeping rough on Bosworth Battlefield where he meets the ghost of a famous king.

Shakespeare in Hinckley (free entry) can be seen at the bandstand, Argents Mead on:

• Friday 22 April, 1pm and 3pm
• Saturday 23 April, 11:30am and 1:45pm
• Monday 25 April 10am, 11:30am, 1:30pm   

Councillor Keith Nichols, Executive member for Culture, Leisure, Tourism and Town Centres said:

At a time when our high street, independent shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants need our support more than ever, I am delighted that alongside our annual St George’s day events we are welcoming the Red River Youth Theatre to perform. 

They have written this short play specially for the event and as it is being performed over a number of days. I hope that families and visitors will come into the town centre and enjoy all that is on offer.  

Our thanks to the HSHAZ for funding the production and I look forward to this being the start of a cultural programme of events held locally.