SHAKESPEARE at the George arrives in Huntingdon next month and this year sees the performance of Cymbeline: King of Britain.

SHAKESPEARE at the George arrives in Huntingdon next month and this year sees the performance of Cymbeline: King of Britain.

Shakespeare at the 16th century George Hotel in Huntingdon started in 1959 with a production of The Taming of the Shrew. Since then, the venue has hosted a number of Shakespeare plays, including Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This summer one of Shakespeare’s later romances, Cymbeline will unfold in the hotel’s Jacobean courtyard.

Director Michael Williamson said: “We are all really excited about this show because it is the first time Cymbeline has been staged at the George.

“It’s a really interesting play and we have a really good cast of all ages.”

The play is a mix of suspense, murder and romance and follows Cymbeline, the King of Britain, whose new wife has an arrogant son called Cloten. Cymbeline’s beautiful daughter, Innogen is expected to marry Cloten but instead she marries the brave but poor Posthumus.

Cymbeline is furious and banishes Posthumus. What follows is a plot containing cross-dressing, deceit and treachery.

But will the two young lovers be reunited for a happy ending?

Mr Williamson said: “It is a challenging play but, well staged, it can hold an audience enthralled. Sometimes regarded as Shakespeare’s most ‘avant-garde work’, it is coloured with romantic simplicity.”

Originally a post house, the George Hotel is steeped in history. It was named after St George in 1574 when William Shakespeare was 10-years-old. Charles I made the inn his headquarters in 1645 and later Dick Turpin is thought to have been a regular visitor when travelling on the Great North Road.

We have a pair of tickets to be won to see Cymbeline at the George.

To be in with a chance of winning, just tell us the name of the first Shakespeare play to be staged at the George in Huntingdon in 1959.

Send your answer on a postcard or sealed envelope to: Cymbeline competition, The Hunts Post, 30 High Street, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 3TB. Entries must include your name, address and a daytime telephone number and reach us by June 4.

Usual Archant competition rules apply.

INFORMATION: Cymbeline is showing at the George Hotel in Huntingdon from June 22 to July 3 (excluding June 27) at 7.30pm. Tickets cost �12.50/�10.50 in advance from 01223 872099 (before June 7) or 07716 993693 (after June 7) or visit www.satg.org.uk