gollygoshgumgoonz: Lincolnshire

50 years ago, my Dad's older brother Chris, became one of the founders of the Stamford Shakespeare Company, in Stamford, Lincolnshire, England.
From my earliest memories, (50 years ago I was 3) I remember seeing photos of him, and his wife Jo, and later on, his daughter Sally, acting in one or other roles in a Shakespeare play. Not that it meant much to me in those days. I mean Shakespeare meant really hard to understand=boring lessons at school, and it was only when I saw a film of Romeo and Juliette that I appreciated an iota of his brilliance.
My first impression of Uncle Chris when he flew out to meet us all in 1984, was a kind of shock at seeing someone who looked like my Dad! He was impossible not to love at first site. He was wearing a bright yellow polo shirt and yellow checked trousers which was unheard of in conservatively dressed NZ at the time. And he matched it with a larger than life personality that energised us all. He even charmed my Mum out of one of her towering moods which was nothing short of a miracle!

Dad, my son Chris, and Uncle Chris

Heartbreakingly Uncle Chris died suddenly the next year aged only 57, devastating all who knew him.
Lucky for us his legacy lives on and on August 2nd, we got to go to Tolehorpe Hall, the home of the company, to see 'Much ado about Nothing', and my cousin, Sally and her husband Mick, performing in it.

That's Sally, second from the bottom on the right, and Mick, second from the top on the right.

It was magic! I understood the company to be 'amateur' so was completely unprepared for the grandeur, professionalism, and full on institution it has become. Tolehorpe Hall is a grand and beautiful manor out in the country in beautiful grounds that have been planted and maintained gorgeously. We walked through fields strewn with huge apple trees and past a crowd of picnicking people enjoying wine and food before the show. The Hall hires professional caterers who put on meals in the dining room, and bar staff in the bar. They also have shop where you can buy food, drink and programmes.

Sally had given us tickets, a programme, cushions and blankets, as the show is held on an open air stage outside! This was amazing! The audience is seated in a huge amphitheater covered by a permanent tarpaulin, and the stage is hand crafted for each show and lit up by a professional lighting team. I wish I could show you more photos but they are not allowed.

A photo I took before I found out you weren't allowed to take photos.

Tolethorpe Hall

We were really lucky to be staying with Sally and Mick and their little dog, Dudley in their beautiful home, and the following day they took us to Tolethorpe again to see the stage and hall from the actor's perspective. It was one of the most amazing experiences to have been there. We also went in to Stamford to 'The George of Stamford' where the company first performed. I was struck again by the tragedy and loss the family and friends of dear Uncle Chris suffered in his passing.

Standing on the stage with the 'audience' behind

Uncle Chris's garden

Sally, Toni, and Dudley

A Painting of Uncle Chris as Sir Tony Betch

The dining room

The stage view from the actor's point of view

Barry meets a prop.

We went into Stamford as well and visited the original location for the open air theatre, along with the a stroll through the historic town.

The field that hosted the first 10 years of Stamford Shakespeare Company productions

Sally and Mick live in Corby Glen, a wee town outside of Stamford. Mick is a fantastic cook and we had amazing meals. I was too keen to eat them and didn't take photos but the following are some photos of the locale and their beautiful home.