Theatre director Jake Murray has received a surprise invitation - to watch a Shakespeare production at Windsor Castle with King Charles III!
Jake's Durham-based Elysium Theatre Company, with Durham Fringe Festival and Durham University, are bringing a selection of Shakespeare’s plays to life to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first publication of the playwright's "First Folio".
Published in 1623, the folio contains 36 of Shakespeare's plays; without it at least 18 of the works, including Twelfth Night, The Tempest and Macbeth, would have been lost.
Because of his dedication to championing Shakespeare, Jake – Elysium's artistic director and founder, will enjoy a surprise performance of one of Shakespeare's works on July 18, alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Jake Murray said: “This really is the most incredible news. To be recognised in this way for staging work by the greatest playwright to have ever lived is extremely humbling. I have always believed Shakespeare can be enjoyed by anyone and that is what our festival and Summer of Shakespeare is all about."
He added: “I'm so excited to attend the special performance and look forward to hopefully meeting the King and talking about our mutual love of the great man!”
Shakespeare of course wrote a play based in Windsor and the castle is a haven for the Bard - its library has a collection of over 500 books about Shakespeare and his works.
Find out more about the Durham Shakespeare Festival here.