The Barn Theatre in Cirencester has announced a new Shakespeare series which sees the Bard’s beloved monologues reimagined to fit into modern-day lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The series will also comprise of a weekly roundup show, hosted by Aaron Sidwell every Friday at 9pm, that will take a closer look at the week’s new work, featuring the actors and creatives. The roundup show launches at 9pm on 24 April 2020.The series will release a new monologue every weekday to the Barn Theatre’s Facebook, YouTube and Twitter accounts, beginning 20th April 2020.

The series, which is co-produced by actor Aaron Sidwell, director Hal Chambers and the Barn Theatre, forms part of the Barn Theatre’s free Behind The Barn Door streaming service.

Aaron Sidwell says of the upcoming series, “Just as Shakespeare was locked out from his theatres during various plague outbreaks, the Barn’s actors are in a similar predicament. Now, literally barred from our places of work, The Actors of the Barn Theatre present some of Shakespeare’s most memorable speeches and moments via the wonders of modern technology. This is Shakespeare’s work inspired and influenced by our strange new lockdown world”.

Bard From The Barn forms part of the Barn Theatre’s free live-streaming service Behind The Barn Door. The series joins medical show Live From The Clinic with Dr Dawn Harper, British record holder Kenton Cool’s mountaineering show, Cool Conversations with Kenton Cool, a children’s entertainment show with Gifford Circus’ Tweedy the Clown, Tweedy’s Lost & Found, and high-energy workout series Disco Fitness with CrossFit Cirencester. The service also live streams weekly programmes with Cotswold District Council leader Joe Harris and local MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown.

The Barn Theatre (registered charity no. 1174253), which is facing a loss of £250,000 and possible permanent closure, have launched their SAVE OUR BARN via their website and social media platforms.