ROYDEN Park will be transformed into the Mediterranean island of Sicily ahead of a major theatrical production.

And centre stage for The Hillbark Players’ production of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ will be the beautiful grassland and pristine lawns provided and maintained by the ground work team at the Royden Park Project.

Members of the Royden Park Project, which is funded and run by Wirral Council’s Adult Social Services Department for adults with learning disabilities, will work for two months to create and maintain the grounds needed to put on a spectacular production.

Performances will take place evenings at 8pm from Monday, June 22 to Saturday, June 27, with a matinee performance on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Members of the project have transformed an area next to the Hillbark Hotel within the park, by laying turf, cutting lawns, strimming and landscaping, to provide the perfect open-air theatrical experience for members of the public

Mike Ellis, chair of the Hillbark Players, said: “The quality of the acting area and the surrounding environment is a key part of the whole Hillbark experience.  In this we are indebted to the Royden Park Project Team for all the work they do to support us. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Mark Humphreys, project manager for the Royden Park Project, said: “The large scale production provides everyone with an opportunity to experience working with the Hillbark Players production team.”

Members of the Royden Park Project take part in a variety of supported activities such as maintaining the walled garden, horticulture and conservation throughout the park, fishing, floristry and working in the café as well as helping local groups to access the park.

Tickets for the performances are available from the Floral Pavilion Theatre. To book tickets call 0151 666 0000 or 0151 321 2340 for group bookings, or visit floralpavilion.com.   

For further information about the work of Royden Park Project, contact Mark Humphreys on 0151 678 6151 or email: markhumphreys@wirral.gov.uk.