In 2004 visitors to Hampton Court Palace will be transported back 400 years as we celebrate the anniversary of two key events in King James I�s court of 1604: Shakespeare�s debut performance before the King in the Great Hall and the Hampton Court Conference, which led to the commissioning of the King James Bible.

As part of the lavish Christmas and New Year festivities of 1603-4, King James I hosted dramatic performances in the Great Hall of Hampton Court Palace by the King�s Men. Their most famous member, William Shakespeare, probably acted in The Fair Maid of Bristow performed on Boxing Day 1603 and we believe the New Year�s performance was his own A Midsummer Night�s Dream.

In January 1604, soon after the Christmas and New Years festivities, King James convened a conference at the palace in an attempt to resolve continuing religious conflict. The Hampton Court Conference resulted in the commissioning of a new English translation of the Bible, possibly the single most important publication to date for our country as it gave literature to the masses.

In 2004, in celebration of these auspicious events, Hampton Court Palace will come alive with exhibitions, dramatic presentations and tours reflecting the influence of drama and literature on the Jacobean court. Costumed guides representing court personalities of 1604, including actors in the King�s Men troop, diplomats and ambassadors, Bishops, court gossips and King James himself, will interact with visitors, sharing their stories of court life and the events that took place here in 1604!

FEBRUARY A NEW ERA � February Half Term (February 14-22) Queen Elizabeth died in 1603 but she and her contemporaries left a legacy of literature that has lived on through the centuries. Explore the last years of Elizabeth�s reign and look at the work of famous figures such as William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe and Edmund Spenser. Less well-known but equally significant is the role of Tudor women as patrons, translators and writers of religious works. The Queen too played an important role as muse to many poets and politicians in her day.

EASTER DRAMA & DEBATE (April 9-18) The world of the Hampton Court Conference is explored over the Easter period. James I found himself head of a Church of England wracked with controversy. One thing all sides could agree on was the need for a new and accurate translation of the Bible from Hebrew and Greek into contemporary English. But how to balance the needs of beauty and accuracy, up-to-date language and familiar traditional phrases? Who would be responsible for such a task?

Discover the secret story behind history�s world-shattering best-seller, The King James Bible, with special presentations explaining the background to and lasting influence of the King James version. Why was the idea of a translation such a political hot potato? Around the palace, costumed interpreters representing the leading opinion formers of the day will be found in heated discussion, showing the strong passions this aroused at the court of King James. Each day will conclude with a debate between all parties in the Queen�s Guard Chamber, where the public are invited to take sides and cast their votes.

APRIL & MAY JACOBEAN COOKERY (April 9-18, 24-25; May 1-3, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-31) With return of the Jacobean court to the palace, the Great Kitchens will be filled with the traditional sounds, sights and smells of cookery from the period as our costumed food historians prepare dishes for the new King. Food in Shakespeare�s works and in the King James version of the Bible will be explored.

THE PLAY�S THE THING (May 29-31) Meet Master Will Shakespeare and the King�s Men as they prepare to put on a new play for the King. How can the company keep up with the constant demands of their new patron, under the watchful eye of the Lord Chamberlain? Shakespeare has enemies at court who will doubtless stop at nothing to have the play stopped. Help him to foil them and please the king at the same time!

AUGUST SHAKESPEARE UNBOUND August Weekends (including 31st July) Every weekend a promenade version of Shakespeare�s A Midsummer Night�s Dream will be performed around the palace, from the mechanicals around the Tudor Kitchens, nobles in the State Apartments and fairies in the gardens. A truly innovative performance inspired by Hampton Court Palace itself!

August Weekdays During the week, performers will lead drama workshops, exploring dance and physical performance, the language of Shakespeare, scenery and staging, costumes and special effects through the ages. Selected scenes from Shakespeare�s works will be performed, showing how they were played at Hampton Court in Shakepeare�s own time, in the reign of William III and Mary II, and in the time of George II.

OCTOBER October Half term (dates tbc) Throughout 2004 our poet in residence will record thoughts and feelings about Hampton Court Palace, and collect words of wisdom from visitors. Local schools will also contribute poems. This event will pull together these poetic strands and offer a fun and creative day for all the family.

DECEMBER 2004 & JANUARY 2005 JACOBEAN CHRISTMAS (December 27 � Jan 1 2005) Food and festivities over Christmas and New Year, a whole year on from Shakepeare�s first performance at Hampton Court Palace.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Contact details For more information and photographs, please contact The Press Office on 020 7488 5662/3, fax 020 7680 0687 Email: vikki.wood@hrp.org.uk

Admission prices Adult �11.50 Child � 7.50 Concession � 8.50 Family �34.00 (up to 2 adults and 3 children).

Opening Hours Hampton Court Palace is open daily, except 24-26 December inclusive. Mid-March to Mid-October 9.30 to 18.00 (10.15 on Mondays). Mid-October to Mid-March 9.30 to 16.30 (10.15 on Mondays)

Directions Train from Waterloo direct to Hampton Court takes 32 minutes. Exit junctions 10 and 12 on the M25. Underground District Line to Wimbledon and main line to Hampton Court.

Further Information on Hampton Court Palace Hampton Court Palace was home to some of Britain's most famous kings and queens and the setting for many great events during nearly 500 years of royal history. From the west, Hampton Court is the red brick Tudor palace of Henry VIII (1509-1547):

from the east, the stately Baroque fa�ade designed by Christopher Wren for William III (1689 -1702). The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with great works of art and reflect the different tastes of the royal residents.

Situated besides the Thames, Hampton Court Palace has over 600 acres of parkland, including 60 acres of formal gardens with fountains, ponds and the elaborate Privy Garden restored six years ago. Britain's oldest maze is still a delight for adults and children alike.

Tours, audio guides, exhibitions and special presentations during the school holidays are included in the ticket price.

Hampton Court Palace is part of Historic Royal Palaces, a registered charity. Registered office is Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU.