SPECIAL EVENTS AT SALISBURY CATHEDRAL TO CELEBRATE THE STAGE PREMIERE AT SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE OF WILLIAM GOLDING’S ‘THE SPIRE’

Salisbury Cathedral is running specialist events in November in association with the stage premiere at Salisbury Playhouse of William Golding’s novel ‘The Spire’ which was literally inspired by Salisbury Cathedral spire. There are themed tower and floor tours and a one-off evening event underneath the magnificent spire itself where you can hear the current Dean of Salisbury and the play’s Director discussing the production and exploring Golding’s story.

David Coulthard, Director of Marketing at the Cathedral, said “In his book William Golding writes about the vision of the fictional Dean Jocelin, the construction of the 404 foot high spire of Salisbury Cathedral, and about the men who built it; it is an epic saga of faith versus reason. We are delighted to be working in collaboration with the Playhouse to provide special opportunities for those who will be watching the play to visit and learn more about the real building which so inspired Golding. It’s a great opportunity to walk in the places you hear about in the story, absorb the atmosphere, and marvel at what is still Britain’s tallest cathedral spire.”

On Friday 16 November, 7.30pm – 9.00pm, the Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd June Osborne, and Gareth Machin, the play’s director, can be heard in conversation as they explore Golding’s tale of Jocelin’s vision in the very location itself, sitting underneath the spire. There will also be readings from the novel and an opportunity to ask questions. Themes include: Jocelin’s vision – was it foolish or inspired? Golding’s juxtaposition of faith and science, the challenges of staging ‘The Spire’ – and the challenges of maintaining the real spire.
Tickets, £8.00 (adults) and £2.50 (students) for ‘A burning will….exploring The Spire’ are available online from www.salisburycathedral.org.uk here or from Salisbury Playhouse box office, 01722 320333. All proceeds towards the Cathedral’s Major Repair Programme.

Special tower and floor tours at Salisbury Cathedral focussing on what really happened when the 6500 tonnes tower and spire were added take place on Saturdays 3, 10 and 24 November, and Monday 5, Tuesday 13 and Thursday 22 November.
‘The Spire’ tower tours, £10.00 (£8.00 concessions), begin at 2.15pm (allow 90 minutes) Pre-booking essential online at: www.salisburycathedral.org.uk here or telephone 01722 555156.
Floor tours begin at 11.00am (allow 60 minutes) No booking or tickets required – just turn up. Visitors are requested to make a donation to help towards the fabric of the Cathedral.

Further information:
Salisbury Cathedral special events based on ‘The Spire’:
Sarah Flanaghan, 01722 555148 / 07771 510811 or s.flanaghan@salcath.co.uk
Salisbury Playhouse production of The Spire
Gemma Twiselton, 01722 320117 or press@salisburyplayhouse.com
Salisbury Playhouse production of The Spire can be seen from 1 – 24 November, box office 01722 320333.