16/02/2026
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!”
After seven long years absence we are thrilled to present The Pendley Shakespeare Festival in our new home at The DEMBE Theatre.
In 1949, Dorian Williams established the festival on the grounds of his ancestral home; now the Pendley Manor Hotel. Since the Pandemic, the hotel has been unable to support the festival in its original form, and so its future has been uncertain.
After increasingly unacceptable demands from the management, we have concluded our collaboration with the hotel. Parting is such sweet sorrow.
For a moment it seemed like the festival would never return.
But we wouldn’t let that stand.
As Shakespeare himself moved his players indoors, an exciting new chapter begins in the DEMBE this glorious Summer, with an all new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, promising all the mirth, merriment, mischief and magic as ever before…
(without the cagouls and wellies!)
With the support of David Evans MBE and Liz Raba at The DEMBE we are breathing new life into 70 years’ worth of this community-led cultural institution, with industry standard lighting, sound and special effects, an all new Summer Youth Workshop… and a roof!
Given David’s historical involvement with the festival, we couldn’t imagine it taking place in a better home. And so, we are delighted to continue Dorian’s legacy; producing Shakespeare on the grounds of his estate (in his old riding hall no less!)
This is just the beginning.
We seek new friends, and stranger companies…
Whether you’re 8 or 108, join us this August as audience, participant, helping hand or moral support!
To register your interest, please get in touch with us at:
[email protected]
More information to follow very soon…
“We know what we are, but not what we may be.”
Hamlet, Act IV, Scene V
