Hopeless Romantics at The Courtyard

Tuesday 20–Saturday 24 July: Tickets £16, Concessions £14 01432 340555

Courtyard Productions present Hopeless Romantics, a play by Nick Lane and Fiona Wass this July.

In an age of internet dating, speed dating, blind dating, and Tinder, isn’t it harder not to find someone these days? Alan doesn’t think so. He’s single. Very, very single. Not that that’s a problem, but when your sisters are all living romantic dreams and everyone’s on your back to know when you’ll be bringing someone home, the pressure tends to mount somewhat. So with his family gathering for an anniversary dinner, Al does something rather reckless–he pays Zoe, a girl from work, to pose as his girlfriend for the night.

Writer Nick Lane started his career as an actor until a car accident damaged his back and brought his acting career to a premature end. After that, he turned to writing and directing. In 2018 Nick wrote and co-directed The Goal, a celebration of Ronnie Radford’s famous giant-killing goal of 1972 at The Courtyard and also writes their children’s Christmas shows.

“I'm so excited to be back here!” Says Nick, “When I came down to write The Goal I had no idea what to expect of the Hereford audience but they were absolutely brilliant; welcoming, honest and up for a laugh. Hopeless Romantics started out as a play for two actors and I'm so pleased that the Courtyard wanted to double the cast. It feels like a new show-and in a lot of ways it is; there have been a number of rewrites to bring it up to date and make it fit with Hereford. I just hope people enjoy it- then tell their mates so they can come and enjoy it as well!”

Writing act two of Hopeless Romantics, which gives the story from the female characters perspective is Fiona Wass. Fiona has previously worked with The Courtyard on Murder at Berrington, a murder mystery evening performed by The Courtyard’s Youth Theatre members at Berrington Hall.

Audiences booking for Hopeless Romantics can also book for Marry Me A Little, a musical revue featuring songs by Stephen Sondheim and get tickets for both shows for £25. Marry Me A Little will be on The Courtyard’s Main House stage from Tuesday 3–Saturday 7th August.

There will be an audio described performance of Hopeless Romantics as part of The Courtyard’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Hopeless Romantics will be in The Courtyard’s Main House from Tuesday 20–Saturday 24 July. To book tickets, or for more information, contact the Box Office on 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk.

Until government guidelines change, seating for Hopeless Romantics will be socially distanced. If distancing restrictions are lifted, the full house will be made available for booking and the rest of the seats will be released. Wednesday 21 July will remain socially distanced, even if restrictions are lifted, for those who would find that more comfortable.

The Courtyard’s Covid Promise:

If you, or someone in your household tests positive for Coronavirus, The Courtyard will move your tickets or credit your account to spend at the venue in the future up to 24 hours before the event. TicketPlan Protection, which now covers Coronavirus, is also available to purchase at the time of booking, which will allow customers to claim a refund.

Hopeless Romantics is supported with funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation