Castle Players' unique interpretation of Twelfth Night

THIS year’s summer production of Twelfth Night will include an important first for the Castle Players – a British Sign Language (BSL) integrated performance on Wednesday, July 5.
This will differ from the usual method of signing a performance where the interpreter simply stands to one side of the stage.
With integrated signing, the interpreter appears in costume and moves with the actors as part of the performance.
Professional BSL interpreter Caroline Ryan will work with the Barnard Castle company in advance to enable her to integrate her signing into the action of the play.
Some members of Castle Players worked with Ms Ryan last year when they performed in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Ms Ryan has worked with numerous professional theatre companies around the country and Jill Cole, director of this year’s Castle Players’ production, was eager for her to work with the Twelfth Night cast.
“Accessibility is about so many things,” said Ms Cole,.
“I hope by including a signed performance of Twelfth Night it will enable people who are British Sign Language users to enjoy the production.
“I have seen how signing can become part of the performance and am very much looking forward to working with Caroline.”
Ms Ryan added: “I’m delighted to be invited to work with the Castle Players again, especially as they were a great bunch to work with and made me feel so welcome. 
“Translating Shakespeare’s text into British Sign Language, although daunting, is a wonderfully enjoyable process that can add a new layer and texture to the storytelling.”
Twelfth Night will be staged from Tuesday, July 4, to Saturday, July 8, in the grounds of The Bowes Museum.
Tickets are now on general sale at: www.thewitham.org. uk; by phone on 01833 631107 or in person at The Witham, Barnard Castle.