The artistic director of a Winchester theatre company is cycling from Stratford-upon-Avon to Winchester on Shakespeare’s birthday.

On April 23, Blue Apple's artistic director Richard Conlon will cycle from Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, all the way to Theatre Royal Winchester. The cycle ride will cover roughly 200 kilometres.

Over the years Blue Apple productions have included Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest and Hamlet. This summer Blue Apple will stage Macbeth at Theatre Royal Winchester.

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Blue Apple supports performers with learning disabilities to develop theatre, dance, singing and film productions for public venues. The theatre company strongly believe that creating inclusive theatre is important in building bridges of understanding and respect between different community groups. The increase in confidence gained through stage performances has helped Blue Apple participants to improve their social, personal and artistic skills and achieve public recognition for their talents.

Richard Conlon's cycle ride aims to raise the funds needed to present Macbeth with the professional support of a creative team of set and lighting design, audio/visual artists, musician and costume designer.

To find out more and support Richard, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-conlon7.

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