CELEBRATIONS have got under way to mark the 400th anniversary of Droitwich man John Heminge saving William Shakespeare’s work for the World.
Mr Heminge, born and bred in the town, and Henry Condell were both actors and friends of The Bard.
The pair compiled and released ‘The First Folio’ which included classics, such as Macbeth and Julius Caesar.
Prior to that, 18 of the 36 plays had never been published and some of Shakespeare’s most famous scripts may never have survived.
Town councillors and Heminge enthusiasts have been working together to mark the milestone.
A special two-month exhibition, which includes a copy of The First Folio, began on Monday at Droitwich Heritage Centre.
The collection will be available to view between 10am and 4pm from Monday to Friday, and 10am and 1.30pm every Saturday.
A plaque to remember Heminge will be installed at St Peter’s Church with an unveiling ceremony taking place at the church on November 25 – the 467th anniversary of Heminge being baptised there.
The Christmas lights switch-on event later that day will have a John Heminge anniversary theme.
Acclaimed Spa-born actor Ross Armstrong will appear in full Shakespearean costume for the switch-on ceremony, alongside Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Coun Kate Fellows.
On November 21, the Melting Pot Theatre Company will perform a medley of Shakespeare’s First Folio plays at Droitwich Spa High School.
At Monday’s community and amenities committee meeting, Coun Bob Brookes revealed Heminge’s last will and testament had been tracked down by John Armstrong, who has been working with the town council to organise the celebrations.
He added some of the will was going to be translated from Old English and would hopefully be put on display for people to read.
Town Clerk Mark Keld said the anniversary of Heminge’s work was a large and important part of Droitwich’s history and warranted the large array of events planned.
