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What You Will" at the Willow Globe in Wales, July 2026
Phil & Sue (see below) and the intrepid team at the Willow Globe theater in Llandrindod Wells, central Wales, once again welcomed the Creative Ensemble this past summer (2026). Our group brought "What You Will," their adaptation of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," to the magical stage in the willows. We cross-pollinated with a Welsh theater troupe from Cardiff, folded two Welsh actors into our show (shout out to Juno and Yusef!!), and climbed mountains and swam in the river Wye. It was epic in every way
Woodshed in New Hampshire!
with Firelight Theater Workshop and Andy's Summer Playhouse
The Woodshed Creative Ensemble is taking their new musical, "Divinest Sense," to Peterborough and Harrisville, NH. We will be hosted by the amazing Firelight Theater Workshop, led by Nora Fiffer. We'll perform at Firelight August 2 at 7:30pm. We'll also get to perform in a historic mill in Harrisville, NH on August 1 at 7:30--reserve tickets here!
And...! on Sunday, August 3, we'll have the privilege of performing Divinest Sense for the actors and theater makers at Andy's Summer Playhouse, an institution in greater Peterborough area for over 50 years. Woodshed artists and artists from Andy's and Firelight will get to "cross-pollinate," share stories, and help each other grow as creators and performers.
Woodshed in Wales
In July of 2024, thirteen Musical Madness participants (ages 13-18) were fortunate to be able to collaborate with an esteemed theatrical group across the Atlantic, Shakespeare Link. Located in the rolling sheep meadows and sporadic forests of Llandrindod Wells, Wales, Shakespeare Link brings together groups from across the UK and the entire globe to share in the magic of Shakespeare.
The main performing space (in addition to a giant circus tent and an updated sheep barn with a stage) is the famous Willow Globe Theater, designed as a scaled replica of Shakespeare's Globe and created entirely from living willow trees. The text across the front is the most famous line from As You Like It--"All the world's a stage..."
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photo from Shakespeare Link website
Phil Bowen and Sue Best
Two great actors, Phil and Sue, have given the last 30 years of their lives to growing Shakespeare Link. Along with their old performing troupes (esteemed outfits like The Royal Shakespeare Company), they are two massive sources of light and knowledge. What an incredible privilege to have them as our hosts and guides!
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photo by C. Irons
Why?
Creating a musical in a large group is massively cumbersome, wildly difficult, and alternatively maddening and exhilarating. Woodshed ensemble members have not only devoted themselves to understanding As You Like It--something already different than most American teens--but to reimagining the show for their life and times. The chance to share our adaptation of a Shakespeare play with folks who deeply understand The Bard will help us to understand and appreciate his work (and their own!) even more.
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photo by C. Irons
How??
The trip to Llandrindod Wells is not cheap--from the flight to London to ground transportation once we're there (and a night in a hotel to see the Royal Shakespeare Company perform As You Like it in Stratford-Upon-Avon!!!), the costs add up. Ensemble members are raising money for the expedition (car washes! performances! panhandling!) and are grateful for any help. Donate here to help get Mateo and the rest of the group to the Willow Globe!
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composite photo C. Irons