What’s on Warwickshire - head outdoors for a fun-filler Julius Caesar

OUTDOOR theatre company Oddsocks will be bringing Rome to the grounds of Compton Verney on Friday (12th July) with a ‘laugh your socks off’ performance of Julius Caesar.

The emperor is sweating (and it’s not just the heatwave), his liberal senators are a stabbing pain in the backside, Rome is in chaos, trust in the government is weak and Caesar’s fate is written in the stars.

The most famous political coup in literature is given the Oddsocks treatment. Expect the tearing of togas, the swishing of roman swords, some preposterous puppetry, and the biggest battle scene five actors have ever created.

The company, which led by actor/directors Andy Barrow and Elli Mackenzie, who also happen to be husband and wife and both appear in the production, is celebrating 35 years of touring nationally and internationally.

“We have appeared in the Warwickshire every year 1994,” said Elli. “We have a loyal and growing audience in the area built up over the years of mounting our productions at Warwick Castle, The Bridge House Theatre and more recently Mary Arden’s Farm.

“The closure of that site meant that our summer visit was potentially homeless until Richard

Phillips of the Leamington Festival, who was responsible for first bringing our work to the area all those years ago, suggested we contact Compton Verney.

“The hall is a perfect location for our production with its stone walls and onsite facilities, we can’t wait to see the audience laughing along at our silliness and enjoy the surroundings.”

Gates open at 6pm and the performance starts at 7pm. The running time is two hours including interval. The show will go ahead in all but the very worst weather, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing and bring a picnic chair or blanket and a picnic.

There will be a free shuttle bus running between the car park and hall before and after the performance.

For tickets, visit https://www.oddsocks.co.uk/