Full Moon due at Muncaster Castle

By the Light of the Fool Moon will run between December 11 and 23, performed by Bristol-based theatre company, Hocket and Hoot, in a play described as 'bursting with live music and playful performance'.

The Ravenglass venue will host the production, suitable for all ages, which tells the story of the ‘Fool Moon’ - an event which hasn’t occurred for five centuries.

"You have to dig deep into the dusty stories of Muncaster to find any mention of it," said a spokesman for the venue.

"But if the legend is true, something remarkable is set to happen this December."

The play will tell the story of a curious professor who has arrived at the castle, convinced that the conditions are right for a 'fool moon'. Throughout the production he will attempt to uncover Muncaster’s deepest secrets.

The audience will begin the experience by gathering in the castle's 'pop-up' Christmas bar, before being led on a journey that includes hidden passageways and rooms not normally open to the public.

The show will culminate in the Great Hall, with festive food as the band play into the night.

This 'totally original' work comes to Muncaster in partnership with Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven, which is presenting an increasingly ambitious programme of arts events across West Cumbria.

By the Light of the Fool Moon will be directed by Tom Spencer, leader of multi-award winning Fine Chisel, with original music by Verity Standen.

Mr Spencer said: "Audiences are in for a thrilling festive treat.

"This isn’t sit-down theatre – we’re taking everyone on an adventure.

"We’ve been given unlimited access to the castle, so by December it will be bursting with surprising, funny, beautiful performance."

Performances will run nightly at 7pm, while a number of matinees and performances for schools are also being offered.

Contact the Rosehill box office on 01946-692422 or visit www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk or contact Muncaster Castle directly on 01229-717614 or go to www.muncaster.co.uk