Manx National Heritage presents a week of events unlocking new and exciting experiences at Castle Rushen from 17 to 21 July 2013.
Beginning the week of events is a new Manx drama by TNT Theatre in conjunction with the Manx Heritage Foundation. ‘The Ghost of Illiam Dhone’, an open-air play performance based around the extraordinary life and times of the Manx historical character, Illiam Dhone (William Christian) unfolds at one of the historic locations where the events actually took place. Patriot or Traitor – this is your opportunity to decide.
Choose from nightly performances from Wednesday 17 – 20 July, doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets are £20 adult, £12 children available from the Manx Museum Shop, Castle Rushen, House of Manannan and online.
On the 20 – 21 July Castle Rushen unlocks its gates from the market square, bringing you a lively village fair celebrating the Castle’s vibrant history. Featuring the Vikings of Mann, Manx Sealed Knot Society, the Isle of Man Homeguard Re-enactment Society and the Play People along with other entertainments, games and hog roast. Access to The Village is free, so come and explore! The Village will be situated throughout the Castle grounds and is an open air event.
At the centre of The Village, you’ll find the keep of Castle Rushen, where inside you can be part of an exclusive new sensory experience and promenade theatre performance by the Isle of Man History in Action Group.
Those entering the Labyrinth will embark upon an immersive journey within the Castle keep. Led through irregular passageways and around the spiral staircases you will find your senses and emotions stirred as you encounter thought provoking experiences based on historic tales of Castle Rushen.
Labyrinth is not recommended for children under the age of 11. It involves walking up and down spiral staircases, confined spaces and low lighting levels and is an active and fast-moving experience. Tickets are £10 per adult and £5 for ages 11 – 18 years. Tickets are on sale now from the Manx Museum Gallery Shop, Castle Rushen and www.manxheritageshop.com.
Labyrinth has been created by a team at Manx National Heritage in conjunction with leading UK museum theatre professionals Dr Anna Farthing and Chris Cade and a new on-Island theatre group Isle of Man History in Action.
Dr Anna Farthing is an award winning creator of drama in live and recorded media, with a special interest in creating original material from historical themes. Freelance actor and storyteller Chris Cade undertakes bespoke educational theatre projects and has worked with Isle of Man History in Action to develop the performance.
The week’s events culminate late on Sunday with an exclusive evening of music showcasing the Isle of Man’s best young performers at the Soundcheck and Friends gig in Castle Rushen grounds. The evening’s lineup includes Full Moon Fallout, Mae Challis, Azariah, The Same, Exit Left, Alice Dudley, Bring Out Your Dead, Marc McCabe, with special guests Jake Orritt & ROC Vannin. A true musical mash-up unlocking the Island’s talent! Hog Roast and refreshments will be available. Tickets to Soundcheck are available on the door and cost £5 for an adult and £2 all those aged 18 and under.
Find out more about ‘Castle Rushen Unlocked’ at www.manxnationalheritage.im.