~ The History Of The Cotswold Arcadians ~

It was at a meeting in Cirencester in the spring of 1990 that some 70 people — mostly from local amateur Dramatic Societies — agreed to present together in the Cotswolds an outdoor summer production of one of Shakespeare's plays. By joining forces and pooling talent they were certain they could produce an event that would be more than the sum of its parts; in which the participants, besides enjoying the experience, would accumulate expertise.

By the autumn of 1990, a venue — the Quenington Old Rectory — had been found; and three local Societies, together with the Gloucestershire Drama Association, had agreed to lend a total of £600 by way of seed-money. In June 1991 the Cotswold Arcadians presented its first production ― The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Since then productions have been staged every July, their technology and their scale both evolving beyond recognition. The enchantment of the Old Rectory River Garden presentations was transmuted for 2002 into the splendours of Williamstrip Park but since then a new home has been established in the magnificent setting of Hatherop Castle where we hope to perform for many years to come.