University of Birmingham students are set to showcase their theatrical talents at the University’s unique heritage attraction with an outdoor performance of a classic period comedy.
A production of Oscar Wilde’s 1885 classic play, The Importance of Being Earnest, is to be unveiled at the University of Birmingham’s Winterbourne House and Garden as part of their summer events programme.
Winterbourne will be hosting a succession of alfresco entertainment this summer, including movie screenings, amateur dramatics and music evenings staged in the beautiful Arts and Crafts garden.
An evening of alfresco Latin jazz, courtesy of an Australian musical sensation, will launch this year’s summer outdoor entertainment programme with Jazz by Candlelight. Casey Greene, from Sydney, and his six-piece Latin jazz band, Quiver will perform a fusion of jazz and latino funk at the House on Saturday 4 June.
Greene, a graduate from the Sydney Conservatorium Music has been recording, writing and teaching music since 1985 and has even toured with Ray Charles. He will also be appearing again at the House for a second evening of jazz at the end of July.
Speaking of the upcoming Jazz event Alison Darby Head of Winterbourne said:
“We are really excited to be hosting Casey again after his immensely popular concert with us last year. Enjoying music in the open air in such stunning surroundings as Winterbourne’s garden is a rare opportunity in this city and something we are really pleased to be showcasing.”
Life is set to imitate art in a production of the classic comedy of manners, The Importance of Being Earnest, which exposes the pretentions of hypocrisy of Victorian society whilst exposing the many masks of identity we all wear. The play will feature a cast made up of entirely UoB students and is set to be performed over three days from Friday 10 June to Sunday 12 June.
Production Co-ordinator, Becca Pratt explains:
“We couldn’t think of a more perfect setting for Wilde’s play than the Edwardian backdrop of the house and garden at Winterbourne. The audience will be transported to a world of tea on the lawn, Victorian mores and lax morals – prepare to be transported far away from the 21st century with this production.”
Jazz by Candlelight is taking place at the Winterbourne House and Garden on Saturday 4 June from 7.30pm with a bar open throughout the evening. There will be an opportunity for guests to explore the beautiful surroundings before the music begins and guests are welcome to bring their own picnic and casual seating. Tickets are £15 per person with a group discount available.
The Importance of Being Earnest is taking place on the evenings of Friday 10 and Saturday 11 June at 7pm and there is a matinee performance on Sunday 12 June at 3pm. Tickets are £10 per person and group discounts also apply.
For ticket bookings, please call 0121 414 9114 and for more information, please visit www.winterbourne.org.uk.
For media enquiries, contact Anna Williams, Winterbourne Press Office: Tel: 0121 414 9113 or email a.m.williams@bham.ac.uk.