Richmond Town Council and The Georgian Theatre Royal will both be offering free community events to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
Taking place on three consecutive days from Sunday 7 May to Tuesday 9 May, these include live bands and family activities in the Friary Gardens; open air cinema at the Cricket Club; and a comedy drama at the Theatre.
Between 11am and 3pm on Sunday 7 May, the Friary Gardens will be a hive of activity designed to appeal to the whole family. Three bands plus a DJ will provide musical entertainment and there will also be crazy golf, storytelling, sports games, a fancy dress competition and free face painting and crown making.
Bank Holiday Monday 8 May will see outdoor cinema at the Cricket Club. The children’s film Bad Guys will start at 1pm followed by Fisherman's Friends. People can turn up on the day (with picnics and deckchairs if desired) with no pre-booking required.
On Tuesday 9 May at 7.30pm, there will be a performance of SHEWOLVES – a professional show that is currently touring the UK following an incredibly successful and critically acclaimed run at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The production is a funny and empowering play about forging friendships when you’re a bit weird, the power of hope and the underestimated smartness of teens. It is aimed at young people aged 13-19 but will be of interest to anyone who has been a teenager!
Further details are given on the Theatre’s website: www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk. Although there is no cost for the show, tickets must be booked in advance using the online booking service or calling the Box Office on 01748 825252.
Heather Lawler, Richmond’s Town Clerk, said: “When Prince Charles and Camilla visited Richmond in 2005 to celebrate the occasion of the 850th anniversary of the town’s charter, the Royal couple saw a performance at the Theatre as part of the hosted visit. It is therefore very fitting that the Town Council and Georgian Theatre Royal are both offering free community-based activities to mark the coronation.
“We hope that as many people as possible will join with us in celebrating this joyous event,” she added.
Clare Allen, Chief Executive of The Georgian Theatre Royal, said: “We selected SHEWOLVES not just because it promises to be an exciting and uplifting show but also because of its appeal to a youth audience. When Charles and Camilla (who are joint patrons of the Theatre) visited back in 2005, they watched a performance by our own Youth Theatre and afterwards were very complementary about how the Theatre worked to inspire younger generations.
“This is a great opportunity for those who might not have been to the Theatre before to sample some really high-quality drama in a gorgeous, historical setting.”
King and Country, a free exhibition exploring the Green Howards relationship with the crown runs in the museum entrance until 12 May.
The Town Council, in conjunction with Richmond Pride, is also organising a community tidy up on Monday 8 May between 10am and midday. Please meet at the Town Hall steps and wear sturdy shoes and gloves. Refreshments and cakes will be served in the Town Hall by Royal British Legion volunteers.
PHOTO CAPTION: The Georgian Theatre Royal is making SHEWOLVES a free show to mark the coronation.