Nick Fogg is known for many things in Marlborough. Multi-time Mayor, force behind the town’s loved and widely-admired International Jazz Festival, long-time Town Councillor, Wiltshire County Councillor and much, much more.
But Nick’s fame goes far further geographically, way beyond the boundary of Marlborough and one area where he is welcomed and recognised is Stratford-upon-Avon, home of the Bard, William Shakespeare. And – by coincidence – where Nick grew up.
Nick’s association with both Stratford and Shakespeare is long and deep. He is a respected biographer of the Bard, and his ‘Hidden Shakespeare’ is now into its sixth edition.
Nick has been invited to participate in the ‘Shakespeare’s Coming Home’ event at Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall between March 1st and 12th during which time it is intended to read every word that the Bard is known to have written.
The event is intended to raise the £45,000 needed to restore the iconic statue of Shakespeare which has graced the outside of the Town Hall since it was presented to the town in 1769 by the famous actor, David Garrick. It is now in desperate need of repair after two and a half centuries of exposure to the elements.
Nick will be in good company for this reading. Others taking part in this marathon include theatrical Dames Janet Suzman and Harriet Walter, actors David Troughton (second generation Troughton in Dr Who), Sarah Douglas – the Kryptonian supervillain – Ursa of Superman, and the casts of the Royal Shakespeare, The Archers and the Bishop of Coventry.
What will be Nick’s role, what will he read, and which character(s)? When asked he didn’t divulge any further information so we can regard it as being a bit secret, although there are many Shakespeare-created or adapted characters who’s persona he could adopt. ‘A surprise’ he added when pushed just that bit further. We’ll all wait to see….
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