Last spring, more than a thousand people took part in a reading of Shakespeare's complete works in the Town Hall. Their aim was to raise money to restore the statue of Shakespeare that David Garrick gave to the people of Stratford-upon-Avon and which is now a shining beacon in the centre of our town. The project, Shakespeare's Coming Home! raised half the sum and George Pragnell Ltd. generously donated the other half.
 
This year communities of readers are gathering for a mini-edition of readings, to raise money for the Mayor's charities, all to do with the well-being of the young people of the town: Life-space Trust (for mental health), Escape Arts Youth (for creativity), and Girl Guiding (for practical skills and community service).
 
Shakespeare's Coming Home! will take place over two days: Monday 17th April and Tuesday 18th April in the Town Hall:
 
Monday 17th April
3.30pm 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' with a special-guest appearance by Sir Stanley Wells as Puck and Cllr Gill Cleeve, the Mayor, as Robin Starveling (Moonshine).
7.30pm 'The Tempest' read by local young people.
 
Tuesday 18th April
2.00pm 'Macbeth'
7.30pm and 8.15pm 'Let Not My Love Be Called Idolatory' (a show based on Shakespeare's Sonnets with Playbox Theatre, tickets for this are available via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shakespeares-coming-home-2023-tickets-599299339457 ).
 
The organizer, Dr Paul Edmondson, Town Council Chaplain, said, 'I'm delighted to be returning to the Town Hall to read Shakespeare, and for local people to be taking ownership of the power of his words and stories. Our aim is to raise money for our town's young people, and I hope audiences feel they can pop in and out, and stay for as long as they like - and donate. All are welcome in our own Town Hall.'
 
If you would like to make a donation to these good causes, and in support of the project, you can do so via https://www.gofundme.com/f/shakespeares-coming-home-2023