THE DIRECTOR of Performing Arts at a Harrogate school and his son will take to the stage together for the very first time in a new production of Shakespeare in Love being staged at Harrogate Theatre later this month.
The production, showing from 19 to 21 October, is based on the screenplay of the award-winning film of the same name and will be presented by the Harrogate Dramatic Society (the HDS), which enjoys close ties with Ashville College.
Shakespeare in Love follows a company of struggling players who perform the works of 16th century playwrights, including William Shakespeare. A love affair ensues between Shakespeare and an aristocratic woman who disguises herself as a man to be an actor in the company.
Karl Boyd, who has taught at Ashville since 2019 and oversees the new Film Studies A Level launched this year, will play Fennyman, who describes himself as “the money” behind the plays put on at the Rose theatre.
His son Louis, who is currently in Year 9 at Ashville, will play the young John Webster, another member of the theatre company.
Louis is no stranger to Shakespeare or the Performing Arts, having played Lord Montague in Ashville’s 2023 Senior School Production of Romeo and Juliet, and Linus in the 2022 show, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.
He auditioned for the role of Webster upon a recommendation from Carole Carpenter, his Ashville drama teacher at the time. Louis has been rehearsing since before the Summer holidays, has worked very closely with the huge cast, and has been commended for his mature approach to the script.
Prior to Ashville, Karl spent 20 years as Head of Performing Arts at a high school in Northumberland. Before he became a teacher, he was also a professional actor and director for the stage, TV and film.
He said: “Fennyman is a great character with a fantastic character arc; a hard-nosed, money-obsessed businessman at first who has an epiphany and sees the beauty and transformative power of being part of a theatre company, and by the end, lives for the stage. He has some great lines.
“I’m excited to be playing Fennyman and being part of this excellent ensemble cast as it is also giving me the chance to appear alongside my son Louis for the first time. It’s great to be on stage with him.
“I would encourage anyone to come and see the show. The play is great, the writing is great, the venue is great…. But the cast? The crew? The directing? Phenomenal.
“The relationship between the HDS and Ashville has been really rewarding. Carole has been part of the HDS for years and has appeared in many of their productions. She suggested that Louis should audition, and I just went along to keep him company, but soon got embroiled in it and haven’t regretted it one bit!
“The HDS will be rehearsing in Ashville’s Drama Studio at weekends as the final show date approaches and we have loaned them some costumes and swords from our stores.
“Additionally, Naail Ishaq – who plays Shakespeare in this production – has kindly agreed to be our judge for Ashville’s inaugural Young Actor of the Year award at the end of October.”
Shakespeare in Love plays at the Harrogate Theatre from 19 to 21 October. To book tickets online click here. Shakespeare In Love | Harrogate Theatre
Categories: Ashville College School News
