Shakespeare at The George in Huntingdon to end after 65 years

An amateur theatre group is preparing for its final curtain call at a venue where it has performed for 65 years.

Shakespeare at The George (SaTG), in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, said am open-air summer production of Hamlet would be its last performance.

The production team said pub giant Greene King had terminated its annual residency contract.

A spokesperson from The George owners said: "This is not a decision that we have taken lightly."

The production said it was now looking "for a new performance space" in the Huntingdon area and appealed for help.

Reuben Milne, chair of the SaTG Trust, said the troupe first performed at The George in 1959, with a production of Taming of the Shrew.

"With great sadness we are announcing that this year's open-air production of Hamlet will be the last time Shakespeare at The George will perform at the George Hotel in Huntingdon, our home for the last 65 years.

"Greene King, the owners of the George Hotel, have taken the decision to terminate our contract after this year's production which means that after putting on 563 performances in front of over 75,000 people since 1959."

Mr Milne said the final production of Hamlet was a poignant note on which to end the successful run.

"It's very appropriate," he added. "Good night sweet prince: and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!

"We would like to thank Greene King and all the staff at The George who have supported us during our annual residency and are hopeful of forging a similar collaborative partnership with our next home."

Mr Milne said the group had brought Shakespeare "to life" for tens of thousands of people, and money raised for bursaries had helped community groups and schools develop theatre skills and fund productions.

"We passionately believe in the value that a thriving cultural scene brings to the town of Huntingdon and the wider community and we're proud of the role," he said.

"Although we do not know what the future looks like at this stage, we are determined to do all we can to ensure that we continue to add to Huntingdon's cultural and social life for at least another 65 years - and look forward to hearing from anyone who can help us continue to entertain, inspire and support our local community."

A spokesperson from The George said it would be unable to commit to show dates going forward "due to other events and commitments".

"This is not a decision that we have taken lightly, and we know that this will be disappointing for those who have attended the productions," they added.

"We would like to thank those who have supported the Shakespeare at The George over the years and wish the theatre company the very best for both this year's performance and for the future."

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