Saturday 4 July
Afternoon concert 3.30pm
A Date with Shakespeare
St Mary Magdalene Church, Bridgnorth

We return to Bridgnorth for a joyous afternoon of Shakespeare’s words set to music, sometimes jazzy, in the presence of Queen Elizabeth I (played by Lesley Smith).

Music Programme
George Shearing: Song and Sonnets
Vaughan Williams: Three Shakespeare Songs
Sven-Eric Johanson: Fancies I
Interval
Ward Swingle: It was a lover and his lass
Sven-Eric Johanson: Fancies II
Eric Wetherell: How like a winter & Shall I compare thee
Herbert Murrill: O Mistress Mine
George Shearing: Music to hear

Doublebass: Amy Coates
Piano: Andrew Woodhead 

Lesley Smith as Queen Elizabeth I will add her insights and opinions of theatre life, Shakespeare, and his plays

Tickets on sale NOW
Adults : £20 (£22.38 incl. Eventbrite commission)
Adults Concessions: £18 (£20.21 incl. Eventbrite commission)
Students: £12 ((£13.70 incl Eventbrite commission)
Tickets on the door if still available on the night

Any questions or queries do contact:Tickets@birmingham.bachchoir.com

ABOUT LESLEY SMITH

Lesley is a medical historian holding an M.Phil in Tudor medicine, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and is also a Member of the Society of Medical Writers. She was awarded an Honorary Masters Degree in 2010 (University of Derby ) for ‘Services to History in the Community’ and has 38 academic publications. A well known broadcaster (150 television appearances in the UK and abroad) she is a former Curator of Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire (retired in July 2024 after almost 25 years). Lesley is also well known for her highly entertaining and informative costumed portrayals of historical characters, which she performs all across the UK.

ABOUT THE VENUE

Bridgnorth & St Mary Magdalene, East Castle Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4AQ
The church: Standing prominently at the high end of the town this grade II listed building was built in the early 1790s, designed by Thomas Telford (when he was county surveyor for Shropshire).
It’s elegance is apparent from both the outside (with it’s light grey stone walls) and the inside, light-filled through huge windows.
Transport links:
Car parks are in Listley Street North (WV16 4AW) and Listley Street South (WV16 4AW), both within a 4–6 minute walk of the church.
Busses: No 8 ( from Telford) No 9 (from Wolverhampton )
Severn Valley Railway (SVR), operates between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. This 16-mile steam and diesel railway includes stops at Bewdley, Arley, Highley, and Hampton Loade, with Bridgnorth serving as the northern end.

Bridgnorth - is a charming, split-level market town renowned for its unique Cliff Railway, Castle ruins, and gardens and scenic Severn Valley Heritage railway. It has a number of interesting shops, bars, cafes and restaurants so is worth looking around before or after the concert.