PRESS RELEASE

23 May2016– Petworth Festival (Thursday14toSaturday 30 July)is sharing in the Nation’s celebrations of Shakespeare this year with a repertoire of fascinating literary and musical performances that bring the writings of the Bard to life in a truly unique way. With major organisations and broadcasters such as the BBC, British Council and Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) taking the lead indriving and supporting the School Curriculum, Petworth Festival follows suit with exciting performances that are guaranteed to educate, inspire and entertain all at the same time.

Showcasing Shakespeare at this year’s Petworth Festival are:

  • Ben Crystal “Shakespeare on Toast”
    12 noon on Sunday 24 July at the Leconfield Hall in Petworth

Sweeping cobwebs from the Bard – his language, his life, his world – actor Ben Crystal reveals man and work as relevant, accessibleand alive. His book “Shakespeare on Toast” is for everyone, whether they’re studying Shakespeare for the first time or they’ve never set foot near one of his plays, but have always wanted to. Smashing down the walls that have often made Shakespeare untouchable, Crystal reminds us that the Bard actually invented popular culture. Audiences will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of Crystal’s book at this event.

  • “The Play’s the Thing”
    National Youth Chamber Choir of Great Britain and National Youth Jazz Orchestra
    7.30pm on Friday 29 July at Midhurst Rother College in Midhurst
    Some of the most talented young musicians in the UK have joined together to pay tribute to Shakespeare in his 400th anniversary year with a national concert tour. Entitled “The Play’s The Thing”, the programme features a diverse range of music inspired by Shakespeare’s plays and poetry, including Duke Ellington’s Such Sweet Thunder suite, and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Three Shakespeare Songs.
  • Stile Antico “The Touches of Sweet Harmony”
    7.30pm on Wednesday 20 July at St Mary’s Church, Petworth

One of the country’s elite vocal ensembles of young British singers present a captivating and theatrical selection of music painting a fascinating picture of the musical world surrounding Shakespeare. Stile Antico explore rare surviving settings of his words by his contemporaries Thomas Morley and Robert Johnson, settings linked to Shakespeare’s two royal patrons, Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, music connected to the great events of his lifetime and two new commissions of Shakespeare texts by composers Nico Muhly & Huw Watkins.

Artistic Director Stewart Collins commented, “We join in the Nation’s celebrations of The Bard himself who, although he lived 400 years ago, addressed the big questions and themes about the human experience that still resonate today. At this year’s Petworth Festival, we’ve gone one step further, adding a totally different twist that takes Shakespeare’s immortal words from page to stage. Our repertoire will appeal to hardcore theatre-lovers as well as educate a much younger audience bringing their school curriculum to life in a meaningful, inspirational and highly entertaining way.”

The Petworth Festival provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the best music and talent outside London at affordable prices. Adult tickets start from just £6 per person, 18 and under can often come for free.

Tickets for Petworth Festival can be purchased by visiting or by telephoning the box office on 01798 344576.

For more information, become a sponsor or friend or volunteer, please contact the festival office on 01798 343055 or email
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NOTESTO EDITORS
PetworthFestivalhas been celebrating thevery best in classical and choral music,jazz, comedy and theatre for the past37 years. Founded by composer Robert Walker, itis to this day spearheaded byLord & Lady Egremont of Petworth House. Its smaller, butno less importantevent, thePetworth Festival Literary Weekend, has been runningfor five years and gives audiencesa chance to hear some of the UK's favourite authorsand poets talking abouttheir work, giving readings and signing books. For more information, visit

Media contact:

For artist photos, further information, to arrangean interview with Stewart Collins, theArtistic Director or find out how tocontact any of the artists on the programme, please contact:

Julie Aguilar on 01798 343982 or 07794 822761
Email: