Shakespeare, Singing & Splendid Setting!

What do you get when you mix Shakespeare with 1930s high society, show tunes, swing dancing and a healthy dose of priceless comedy?

Why, the latest Off the Ground production of course!

The charming courtyard of Lismore Castle provided the fairytale setting for an animated presentation of the Bard’s Much Ado About Nothing on Monday 10th August.

As the “only love gods” plotted and frolicked on stage the weather gods smiled down and the evening remained mercifully dry. Patrons (including several Heritage Centre staff members!) settled down with picnics and glasses of wine to enjoy a superb evening’s entertainment*

Off the Ground is an English theatre group committed to youth drama and education work. The group is best known and loved in Ireland for its touring outdoor productions. The company brings their own lively interpretation of works such Le True Histoire de Cyrano de Bergerac and The Three Musketeers to stately homes and venues throughout the UK and Ireland. Their unique and often hilarious take on classic tales mean their visits to Lismore have become an annual pilgrimage for many.

When Off the Ground was founded in 1995 one of its basic aims was that their productions should be staffed by “people who wanted to be the best they possibly could while enjoying themselves.” This aspiration seems surpassed in Much Ado as the talented 18 strong troupe played their parts with infectious good humour. With everyone in jovial mood the show drew to a close though not before several audience members joined the cast for a final boogie onstage…though that was perhaps best left to the professionals!


The Off The Ground tour group remain in Ireland until 16th August with performances still to come in Carlow, Dublin, Wicklow and Down. More details are available on their website.

*No glasses of wine were consumed by Lismore Heritage Centre staff members...honestly