Shakespeare fest is back, back, BACK!

The Liverpool Shakespeare Festival makes a welcome return to the city this summer. After a haitus in 2010 due to lack of funding, it sounds very much as if the event plans to make up for lost time. The fest, brainchild of Lodestar Theatre Company, will run from August 25 to September 11. The centrepiece of the 2011 festival is their production of Romeo and Juliet, which will be performed in St George’s Hall's small concert room. There will also be a "unique twist" on Richard III, and a series of youth arts projects running in tandem. Max Rubin, director and founder of Lodestar is making some bold claims. He says: “Romeo & Juliet is the world’s greatest love story and we will use every secret corner of this unique performance space to create a truly unforgettable production.  Expect stunning performances, breathtaking design and a haunting original score. There are plenty of other events too from contemporary dance and verbatim theatre to something we’re calling ‘Combat Shakespeare’ – a performance of Richard III like no other. We’ve packed more Bard into this festival than ever before.” Producer Simon Hedger added: “This year's festival is centred on how these amazing stories still say so much about our lives. We've used Romeo & Juliet as a starting point for a whole range of events across several mediums designed to showcase the amazing diversity of talent within the city - there is something for everyone. 'Shakespeare for the 21st century.” For more information, keep an eye onwww.liverpoolshakespearefestival.com.