Storm, Stone, and Sonnets: Experiencing Shakespeare at Dunnottar

Perched high above the crashing waves of the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle provides a setting so breathtakingly dramatic, it could rival Shakespeare himself. This August, The HandleBards invite you to experience Much Ado About Nothing, a sparkling comedy of wit, deception and love, set against the stunning backdrop of Dunnottar’s ancient stone walls.

On the 27th of August, guests will gather beneath the open sky (so make sure to check the weather forecast!) as the tale of Beatrice and Benedick’s romance unfolds within the medieval fortress’ ruins. Much like Don John’s illicit activities, Dunnottar Castle holds secrets of its own. Once a formidable military stronghold, it withstood sieges by Oliver Cromwell's forces in the 17th century, safeguarded the Honours of Scotland, The Scottish Crown Jewels, and hosted Scottish nobles and poets alike.

Perhaps the most haunting historical note about Dunottor is that directly underneath the Kings bedroom, as if under his very nose itself lies the forgotten Whig's vault. In 1685, 167 anti-Royalist had refused to take the oath of allegiance to new king James VII and so were imprisoned there. Some died, some fell to the cliffs below and some where shipped to New Jersey. Few surived the vault's airless confines.