Ahead of previews starting this Thursday 10 March, To Kill a Mockingbird today announces the launch of the All Rise ticket scheme in an exclusive partnership with TodayTix, offering £15 seats for every performance across the run. The initiative aims to provide access at affordable prices to as wide an audience as possible.
More than 1,400 tickets will be released each month. The first release of tickets is on 8 March, for performances up to and including 2 April. In addition to the All Rise initiative, there will be an opportunity to purchase £15 tickets via Today Tix daily rush – where a limited number of additional seats will be available on each performance day via the app. The TodayTix app can be downloaded onto iOs or Android devices for free via the app store; or you can access online via TodayTix.com.
To Kill a Mockingbird opens at the Gielgud Theatre on 31 March 2022, with previews from 10 March. This new play by Aaron Sorkin isbased on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, and directed by Bartlett Sher.
Set in Maycomb, Alabama in 1934, To Kill a Mockingbird has provided American literature with some of its most indelible characters: lawyer Atticus Finch, the tragically wronged Tom Robinson, Atticus’ daughter Scout, her brother Jem, their housekeeper and caretaker Calpurnia and the reclusive Arthur “Boo” Radley. For the past six decades and for every generation, this story, its characters and portrait of small-town America have helped to, and continue to, inspire conversation and change.
Harper Lee’s enduring story of racial injustice and childhood innocence has sold more than 45 million copies of the novel worldwide. 2020 marked the 60th anniversary of its publication.
The full cast is Harry Attwell (Mr Cunningham/Boo Radley), Amanda Boxer (Mrs Henry Dubose), Poppy Lee Friar (Mayella Ewell), John Hastings (Bailiff), Simon Hepworth (Mr Roscoe/Dr Reynolds), Laura Howard (Miss Stephanie/Dill’s Mother), Lloyd Hutchinson (Link Deas), Gwyneth Keyworth (Scout Finch), Tom Mannion (Sheriff Heck Tate), David Moorst (Dill Harris), Pamela Nomvete (Calpurnia), Jim Norton (Judge Taylor), Patrick O’Kane (Bob Ewell), Jude Owusu (Tom Robinson), Harry Redding (Jem Finch), Rafe Spall (Atticus Finch), David Sturzaker (Horace Gilmer) and Natasha Williams (Mrs Dubose’s Maid), with Helen Belbin, Laurence Belcher, Paul Birchard, Ryan Ellsworth, Rebecca Hayes, Danny Hetherington, Matthew Jure, Anna Munden and Itoya Osagiede making up the ensemble.
Joining Sher and the original Broadway creative team – Miriam Buether (Set), Ann Roth (Costume), Jennifer Tipton (Lighting), Scott Lehrer (Sound), Adam Guettel (Original Score), Kimberly Grigsby (Music Supervision) and Campbell Young Associates (Hair & Wigs) – are Serena Hill as Casting Director, Hazel Holder as Voice & Dialect Coach, Titas Halder as Associate Director, Candida Caldicot as Musical Director, Tavia Rivée Jefferson as Cultural Coordinator and Rasheka Christie-Carter as Assistant Director.
The West End production is produced by Barry Diller and Sonia Friedman Productions.
The Menier Chocolate Factory, in association with Sonia Friedman Productions, today announces the extension of the world première of their brand-new show Maria Friedman & Friends – Legacy, celebrating the brilliance of Marvin Hamlisch, Michel Legrand and Stephen Sondheim, until 17 April due to popular demand.
The extension comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Friedman will direct Daniel Radcliffe as Charley in Merrily We Roll Along at New York Theatre Workshop this Autumn, in a production based on her multiple award-wining production at the Menier.
Three-time Olivier Award winner Maria Friedman was a friend of and collaborator with these extraordinary composers. This unique event will see her showcase many of their greatest works – including Broadway Baby, Losing My Mind, A Piece Of Sky and Nothing – with entertaining and personal memories that make a Friedman cabaret a night to remember.
Collaborating with musical director and pianist, Theo Jamieson, and with fellow performers Matthew White, Ian McLarnon, Alfie Friedman and Desmonda Cathabel, and a choir from the Royal Academy of Music, this show promises to be a celebration worthy of some of the greatest composers of the 20th century. Jamieson will be accompanied by Paul Moylan on Double Bass, and James Powell on Percussion.
Maria Friedman & Friends – Legacy sees Friedman and the Menier renew their collaboration following the critically acclaimed Maria Friedman Re-arranged – which transferred to the West End, her appearance as Golde in the Menier’s production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Playhouse, and of course, Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, which saw her make her directorial debut, and also transferred to the West End, winning the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Revival of a Musical and the Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical.
Maria Friedman is a three-time Olivier Award winner for Maria Friedman By Special Arrangement at the Donmar Warehouse (1995), Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Fosca in the West End production of Stephen Sondheim’s Passion (1996), and for Ragtime (2003), and nine-time Olivier Award nominee. Her other theatre credits include Fiddler on the Roof, Merrily We Roll Along, Blues in the Night, Chicago, The Witches of Eastwick, Anna in The King and I at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Lady in the Dark. In 2004 she originated the role of Marian Halcombe in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Woman in White, both in the West End and on Broadway. She is regularly associated with the work of Stephen Sondheim, having performed principle roles in Merrily We Roll Along, A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, as Mrs Lovett in concert performances of Sweeney Todd (Royal Festival Hall), as Sally in Follies (Palladium) as well as other concert performances as Desiree Armfeldt, Countess Charlotte Malcolm and Petra in A Little Night Music. She also appeared in New York, Washington and the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in celebration of Stephen Sondheim’s 80th birthday. She has performed her critically acclaimed one-woman shows – Maria Friedman – By Special Arrangement and Maria Friedman – By Extra Special Arrangement in venues around the UK and in New York including several seasons at the Café Carlyle, and has most recently performed her new solo show From the Heart to sell-out audiences at Crazy Coqs. She has featured on many cast recordings and released several solo albums including Maria Friedman, Maria Friedman Live, Now and Then, and Maria Friedman Celebrates The Great British Songbook. On screen, her roles include Elaine Peacock in EastEnders, Trish Baynes in Casualty, Red Dwarf, the Narrator in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (DVD), and the Mother Abbess on ITV’s Sound of Music Live. In 2013, she made her directorial debut at the Menier Chocolate Factory with Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. Her other directing credits include High Society (The Old Vic), Stepping Out (Vaudeville Theatre) and the world première of the new musical Dusty (Theatre Royal Bath). During lockdown, Friedman and Adrian der Gregorian launched Doorstep Productions to take live musical theatre to front doors across the UK and the company continues to entertain guests at parties and events all over the country.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY
53 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU
MARIA FRIEDMAN & FRIENDS – LEGACY
Until 17 April
Box Office: 020 7378 1713 (£2.50 transaction fee per booking)
Pitlochry Festival Theatre announces Ensemble for 2022 season
Pitlochry Festival Theatre is delighted to announce its Ensemble for its 2022 season which takes place this summer between May and October.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s exciting 20-strong Ensemble will feature Keith MacPherson (The Yellow Door, Lyceum/ Edinburgh International Book Festival; Waiting for Godot, Citizens Theatre and Stan and Ollie, BBC Films); Alyson Orr (Cinderella, Pavilion Theatre Glasgow); Keith Jack (runner up on Any Dream Will Do, BBC, Fame, UK Tour and Only The Brave, Edinburgh Festival ) Rhiane Drummond (Dreamgirls and 9-5 The Musical, both Savoy Theatre and Heathers, UK Tour); Connor Going (Wind in the Willows, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and The Choir of Man, Australia and USA tour); Richard Colvin (Sunshine on Leith, UK Tour and A Christmas Carol, Bolton Octagon); Deirdre Davis (Eileen Donachie in River City, BBC Scotland, Bold Girls, Citizens Theatre and Monarch of The Glen, Pitlochry Festival Theatre); Lanna Joffrey (The Times of Our Lies, Park Theatre); Nalân Burgess (Welcome to Iran, Royal National Theatre and Theatre Royal Stratford East and the forthcoming The Sandman, Warner Brothers and DC Comics); Amelia Donkor (As You Like It and The Taming of the Shrew, Royal Shakespeare Company and Eastenders, BBC) and Rachael McAllister (A Christmas Carol, Pitlochry Festival Theatre).
The Ensemble will also feature Blythe Jandoo (Aladdin, SEC Armadillo; Bend It Like Beckham, North American Premiere; Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat; The London Palladium and Aladdin, The Prince Edward Theatre); Jessica Brydges (Peter Pan, Maltings Theatre); Meg Chaplin (Arrival, imPOSSIBLE and The Midnight Child, UK Tour) Anna Fordham (The Borrowers, Watermill Theatre and The Athena, Sky); James Hudson (Saturday Night Fever, West End/UK Tour and The Choir of Man, West End); Kit Orton (Spamalot, West End & UK Tour and Oliver, Watermill Theatre); Tom Richardson(Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Storyhouse Chester; The Prince and the Pauper, New Vic Theatre); Marc Small (Barefoot in the Park, Pitlochry Festival Theatre; Richard II , Almeida and the TV series The IT Crowd, Jonathan Creek and Emmerdale); and finally, making his professional acting debut, Richie Spencer.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman said about the talented Ensemble:
“We are so excited to welcome our 2022 Ensemble to Pitlochry this year. We cannot wait to start rehearsals for productions which will also see us return to producing theatre inside our building as well as outside and online. This fantastic Ensemble of incredibly talented actors will perform some extraordinary dramas, comedies, new works, and musicals in repertoire throughout our Summer Season including in our brand new Studio. The team of Directors Amy Liptrott, Ben Occhipinti, Brigid Lamour, Caitlin Skinner, and I cannot wait to make the plays with them for our wonderful audiences. During their time with us, you will be able to see this talented group in different roles. I look forward to our audience enjoying them transforming from production to production. We are also thrilled that this year their work will be seen in Pitlochry and in Edinburgh, London and toured across Scotland, as three of our 2022 summer productions are being co-produced with leading organisations – Stellar Quines Theatre Company, Capital Theatres and Watford Palace Theatre. Pitlochry is known for its Ensemble, and I am excited for us to continue this brilliant tradition.”
Running throughout the summer in the Theatre’s Auditorium, new Studio, as well as outside in the theatre’s Amphitheatre and riverside Bandstand, the 2022 season will include a staging of the much-loved musical Sunshine on Leith (20 May – 1 October), co-produced with Capital Theatres; the premiere, co-produced with Watford Palace Theatre, of Anne-Marie Casey’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel Little Women(21 July – 29 September); Michael Frayn’s iconic backstage comedy Noises Off (May 27 – 1 October) which celebrates its 40th anniversary; and a revival of Noël Coward’s classic 1930s comedy of manners, Private Lives(17 June-30 September).
The Theatre’s new studio with see the premieres of three news plays Helping Hands (23 June-9 July) by Cathy Forde; Sara Shaarawi’s (Niqabi Ninja) Sister Radio(25 August – 28 September) – a co-production with Stellar Quines Theatre Company; and Martin McCormick’s new play The Maggie Wall (9 – 29 September).
The 2022 season will also see the premiere of two exciting new productions performed in the Theatre’s picturesque amphitheatre, nestled within its Explorers Garden and in the shadow of Ben-y- Vrackie. From 8 June – 7 July, the Theatre will stage Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Lipstick, Ketchup and Blood,playwright and actor Lesley Hart’s (The Lemon Tree, Òran Mór) brand new adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective tale A Study in in Scarlet and in August, the world premiere of David Greig’s (The Adventures with the Painted People) adaptation of Charlotte Higgins’ acclaimed book, Under Another Sky(10 Aug – 23 Sept).
Finally, there will be a terrific line up of entertainment for all the family including a brand new adaptation from the creative team behind last year’s successful production of The Wind in the Willows of Jules Verne’s family adventure Around the World in 80 Days (8 July-17 September).
For further information and tickets for the Pitlochry Festival Theatre 2022 season visit pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com
Hope Mill Theatre’s UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway musical version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella set to go ahead this November
Tuesday 1st November – Sunday 11th December 2022
On Sale Now
Cinderella will finally go to the ball! Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester is to stage the UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway musical version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
The musical’s previously postponed 2020 run will be staged later this year at Hope Mill Theatre, from Tuesday 1st November until Sunday 11th December.
Leading the creative team for this new production are venue founders Joseph Houston (he/him) and William Whelton (he/him), with Houston directing and Whelton co-directing and choreographing.
Completing the creative team is Musical Supervisor Leo Munby (he/him), Musical Director Audra Cramer (she/her), featuring New Musical Arrangements by Jason Carr (he/him), Set and Costume Designer Elly Wdowski (she/her), Projection Designer George Reeve (he/him), Lighting Designer Aaron J Dootson (he/him), Wig Designer Richard Mawbey (he/him), Casting by Jane Deitch (she/her) and Artwork by Steph Pyne (sher/her).
Cinderella is the only musical written for the television by legendary duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II (South Pacific, Carousel, The Sound of Music). Originally broadcast live in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, the broadcast was watched by more than 100 million people, before subsequently being remade for TV again in 1965 and 1997 (starring Whitney Houston and Brandy).
A new Broadway version with a Tony-nominated book by Douglas Carter Beane premiered in 2013 featuring several fresh characters and songs. This will be the first time a fully staged version of the show has been performed in the UK (following a 2019 one-night concert version in London).
The smart and beautiful young Ella lives in the care of her wicked, self-absorbed stepmother Madame and her two stepsisters Charlotte and Gabrielle. In another part of the kingdom, Prince Topher is trying to find himself and learn his place in the world. When his scheming advisor Sebastian suggests throwing a ball so the Prince can meet potential brides, Ella and Topher’s different worlds come together. Expect the unexpected in this clever retelling of the beloved fairy tale.
Full Casting as well as wider production team to be announced.
Back in 2020 Hope Mill launched First Curtain, a ticket initiative set up to provide funded tickets for local young people to have their first theatre experience. The ticket scheme, which was launched alongside the announcement of Cinderella, raised almost £5,000 and allowed 8 local schools and over 100 young people to come and watch their production of The Wiz in 2021. They aim to raise the same amount again, or more, to offer the same access to this production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
Bill Gaden, President of Concord Theatricals, said: “We’re delighted that Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella will make its UK theatrical premiere at the Hope Mill Theatre. The modern Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score from Rodgers & Hammerstein. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews to a viewership of 107 million, the largest in history at the time, the title has been charming audiences ever since. We look forward to Manchester theatregoers experiencing the updated incarnation today.”
Joseph Houston, Artistic Director, said: “It was devastating having to make the decision to cancel our production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 2020, due to the outbreak of Covid. The incredible creative team we have assembled, worked so hard to create a stunning and truly exciting new version of this beloved musical, from wonderful new orchestrations to beautiful set design, and we are thrilled that we are able to finally bring this show to life at Hope Mill Theatre later this year. We can’t wait to welcome audiences of all ages through our doors, to enjoy this truly magical musical, proving that nothing is Impossible!”
Setting the stage with an eerie atmosphere, the wooden set sticking out in a menacing way gave an intriguing insight to what was to come. Starting with a powerful scream into the dark the show began captivating the audience from the get go.
The use of live sound and music played by the cast absorbed the audience into a world of horror. The cast took on multiple roles making the troop of five feel like twenty. Most notably was Max Gallagher whose main part was Henry Clerval but gave all other parts he played such individual character which was a joy to watch.
The use of puppetry was fantastic and really gave the story a depth that made you want to see more. Though at times scenes where slightly drawn out, the cast brought back focus to the plot smoothly. Overall a very enjoyable adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
IN A NEW REIMAGINED PRODUCTION PERFORMED IN THE ROUND
AT LONDON’S TROUBADOUR WEMBLEY PARK THEATRE
STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON FROM 28 NOVEMBER 2022
Producer Runaway Entertainment is delighted to announce that Disney’s NEWSIES, the award-winning Broadway musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein, will have its UK premiere at London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, where the strictly limited season will run from 28 November 2022.
Based on a true story, NEWSIES is set in New York City at the turn of the 19th century. It’s the rousing tale of a ragged band of teenage newspaper sellers, who dream of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. After newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer hikes up the prices for his papers charged to the newsies, Jack Kelly rallies his fellow newsboys in an attempt to protest the change, falling in love with young reporter Katherine along the way. These young newsies from across the city come together and rise up against the exploitation of wealthy publishing tycoons and fight for justice using the only power they have – solidarity.
The original production of NEWSIES opened on Broadway in 2012 and was slated to play only 100 performances but went on to play over 1,000 performances before touring and winning two Tony Awards®, including Best Original Score. The original production was filmed live on stage and released in cinemas in 2017.
Now for the very first time, audiences in the UK have a chance to enjoy the thrill of one of the biggest Broadway hits of recent years. In an innovative and brand new immersive production ‘in the round’ at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, theatregoers will be thrust right inside the action as the newsies dance, sing, jump and fly around the streets of a booming 19th century New York City.
Alan Menken said: “I am OVER THE MOON about Newsies opening in London!! I’ve been wishing and waiting for this for soooo long. I truly cannot wait!”
Matt Cole, Director & Choreographer, said: “As a huge fan of the original Disney film and the Broadway production, I am extremely honoured and thrilled to be reimagining this brand new version for London and the UK. With an incredible score by the legendary Alan Menken and book by Harvey Fierstein we will bring this all-singing, all-dancing show to Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. This site-specific version of the show provides an exciting opportunity to present the piece in a non-traditional format. Set in the round, the audience will be thrust into turn-of-the-century New York, where the action and choreography will weave its way in and out of the audience. I cannot wait to work with this talented creative team on delivering this wonderful and exciting show to the UK.”
This new production of NEWSIES will be following on the recent successes of large scale shows at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre such as the National Theatre’s productions of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
Oliver Royds, CEO of Troubadour Theatres, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the UK Premiere of Disney’s much loved musical in Wembley and look forward to showing audiences just how versatile and flexible our venues are. We are sure this will be one of the theatrical events of the year.“
Casting is to be announced.
Tickets will be going on sale in May 2022. To receive priority booking sign up at www.newsiesthemusical.co.uk
NEWSIES will be Directed and Choreographed by Olivier nominee Matt Cole, with Set Design by Morgan Large, Musical Supervision, Dance Arrangements & Musical Direction by Nigel Lilley, Costumes by Natalie Pryce, Lighting by Mark Henderson, Sound by Tony Gayle, Performer Flying by John Maddox for Suspended Illusions Ltd, Casting by Lucy Casson, Children’s Casting by Jo Hawes, Fight Directors Rachel Bown-Williams & Ruth Cooper-Brown for RC Annie, Associate Choreographer Jane McMurtrie, Associate Musical Director Chris Ma and Production Management by Lee Batty and Andy Fox for Setting Line.
NEWSIES is produced by Tristan Baker & Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment with Kater Gordon and Dianne Roberts, by permission of Disney Theatrical Productions.
Canterbury’s JGH Academy of Theatre Arts are thrilled to present their first season of live performances from their 2022 cohort featuring a mixture of continuing and graduating students. The Academy will present SHOUT! the Mod Musical and their 2022 Musical Theatre Showcase at Canterbury’s stunning Malthouse Theatre, from 30 March – 1 April.
JGH Academy opened its doors in Canterbury last September (2021) to provide exceptional full-time vocational training in musical theatre performance in Kent, led by theatre producers Joseph Hodges and Jay Gardner and an incomparable faculty of performing arts professionals and boasts a whopping 45 hours of practical training per week!
From September 2022 they have three courses on offer for students aged 16+, a One-Year Intensive Course, a Two-Year Sixth Form Course (accompanied by a level 3 extended diploma) and a Three-Year Diploma Course (accompanied by a Level 6 Diploma.
Their patrons are Strictly Come Dancing Winner, Joanne Clifton, and Olivier Award-Winning Actress, Jenna Russell, both of whom have scholarships named after them. Layton Williams, who is a friend of the academy, also has a full scholarship named after him which is still available to one lucky male identifying student for September 2022 admission. All scholarships are awarded via their free application / audition process which can be found on their website, www.jghacademy.co.uk/apply.
Tickets for SHOUT! and their Musical Theatre Showcase are available via the Malthouse Theatre website, www.malthousetheatre.co.uk. Industry tickets can be booked by emailing [email protected].
You can find JGH Academy on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @JGHCanterbury.
Ellen Kent operas are known for their outstanding productions and tonight’s Madama Butterfly is no exception. It was way beyond superb!
Set in 1904 in Nagasaki, an American naval officer enters into a marriage of convenience with a young Japanese girl. He intends to divorce her when he finds an American wife and shortly after sails off on his naval ship…. She, meanwhile, devotes herself entirely to her new husband in the expectation of a new American life, waiting dutifuly for his return. Because of this she is disowned by her Japanese friends and family.
Both the principles (Elena Dee as Butterfly and Vitalii Liskovetskyi as Pinkerton) had gorgeous tone and strong projection, conveying the libretto with impactful assurance. They particularly shone together during their scenes at the end of act one, in anticipation of the wedding night with all it’s attendant hopes and fears. A lushly romantic piece of writing from Puccini. In fact his entire score has a lovely languid sensuality.
Dee has an effortless mastery of sustain and quiet notes and her anguished outpourings (those massive high notes that Italian opera is famous for) were spine tingling. The aria “One Fine Day” was especially moving. A masterful performance.
All the cast were fantastic but special mention should go to mezzo soprano Katerina Timbaliuk (playing Butterfly’s maid, Suzuki) whose acting, tone and vocal power were especially thrilling. She and Dee have a wonderful onstage presence and were utterly convincing in their roles. Their acting in the final scene was incredible, producing heartbreakingly sensitive performances from both!
The set was a sumptuous Japanese garden complete with running water and a house which was particularly well employed with backlighting to display some key moments in silhouette, an effect that was highly effective. The female chorus made a beautiful, mellifluous sound that was very beguiling, especially seeing them resplendent in their antique wedding kimonos, which were a real treat for the eyes.
Opera isn’t just music of course; it’s musical drama. This is the Italian verismo style where the composers wished to convey the realism of the situation, with all its consequences, hurt and pain. Powerful stuff. There is none of the English G&S nicety where abandonment ends well, in a return of love and a happily ever after. The orchestra (conducted by Vasyl Vasylenko) sounded rich and full, equally impressive in the subtle, romantic sections as the more strident harrowing ones, transporting us faithfully to the inner turmoil of the characters, through their sonorous playing.
Those few who were not already on their feet for a standing ovation were up when the Ukrainian flag came out and the cast sang the Ukrainian National anthem, complete with messages of support for the people of Ukraine on the surtitle screens! I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved during a night out.
A highly charged, emotional performance that deserved double the 5 stars I have to give it! I cannot wait to see their next production at this fine theatre.
RSC ACTIVITIES ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND, 23-24 APRIL
The Royal Shakespeare Company is offering visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon a wide range of activities to help celebrate Shakespeare’s Birthday over the weekend of Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April.
Free events include a performance of Out of the Deep Blue, a family friendly outdoor show about the environment featuring a 13-foot-tall puppet, and the opportunity to enjoy the RSC’s new Dell Forest Garden, a space for reflection which also aims to improve the area’s biodiversity.
There will also be the chance to see the final two parts of the Henry VI trilogy, Henry VI: Rebellion (1.15pm) and Wars of the Roses (7.15pm) on Saturday 23 April, and to be part of the live audience for an edition of the popular podcast, The Guilty Feminist, at 7.30pm on Sunday 24 April. All three performances will take place in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Prior to the birthday weekend, on 21 April, a newly revised second edition of The Complete Works of Shakespearewill be published, the perfect gift for all Shakespeare lovers.
SATURDAY 23 APRIL
Out of the Deep Blueperformedby Autin Dance Theatre 3.30pm, starts in the Swan Gardens outside The Swan Theatre Free, just turn up on the day
Autin Dance Theatre will perform Out of the Deep Blue, an outdoor spectacle ideal for children and families featuring Eko, a 13-foot-tall Sea Giant puppet, operated by five world-class puppeteers, and the character of Violet, played by a female contemporary dancer.
Waves wash Eko, a Sea Giant onto the shore. There he encounters vulnerable Violet. These two beings – an ancient creature and a young girl – offer us their stories: an impactful dialogue around our earth’s climate emergency, told through dance, movement and masterful puppeteering. A story about the power of understanding that speaks to the world at large.
The performance will start at 3.30pm in the Swan Gardens outside the RSC’s Swan Theatre, with the audience following Eko to The Dell gardens by Holy Trinity Church, before returning to the Swan Gardens for the final part of the show.
There will also be a free puppet workshop, suitable for ages 6+ between 12noon – 1.30pm taking place in the Swan Theatre foyer.
Pre-recorded Audio Description files are available for blind and visually impaired audiences to listen to, either prior to a performance and/or during the performance.
The Dell Forest Garden Free, just turn up on the day
Throughout March and April the RSC and Forest of Hearts – a Stratford-based organisation which aims to produce ‘gardens for good’ – will work with members of the local community to create The Dell Forest Garden which will be open to all from Saturday 23 April.
The Dell, located by the Holy Trinity Church, is a quiet outdoor space which includes a number of memorial plaques. The aim of the Forest Garden is to make an area for health and wellbeing activities, for personal reflection, and to increase biodiversity. In the lead up to 23 April, the community participants will plant a number of flower beds in both The Dell and Avonbank Gardens, including a section featuring flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.
Inspired by the memorials in The Dell, the RSC has commissioned artist Faye Claridge to create an outdoor art exhibition, Room for the Soul launching on 23 April. Faye is working with volunteers from Forest of Hearts and local residents to create a magical outdoor lounge where plants and flowers overwhelm furniture, while lampshades and family portraits flutter in the trees overhead.
Forest of Hearts will lead free drop-in sessions between 12-3.30pm on 23 April in The Dell, sharing how everyone can increase biodiversity. Participants involved in developing the Forest Garden will be on hand to talk about the experience and how people can take part in future projects.
Henry VI: Rebellion (1.15pm) and Wars of the Roses (7.15pm) Royal Shakespeare Theatre Tickets available from rsc.org.uk or 01789 331111
Henry VI: Rebellion, a fresh new take on Henry VI: Part Two, hurtles through one of the most turbulent periods in English history, asking the question: can the people ever really decide their own future?
Wars of the Roses is the thrilling climax to the Henry VI trilogy. The tussle for the English crown escalates to the battlefield and the families of Lancaster and York drench their brutal conflict in sweat and blood. As power is shunted back and forth, there is deceit, betrayal and murder at every turn. The scene is set for the final chapter as we get our first glimpse of the villainous Duke of Gloucester – soon to become Richard III.
Both productions are directed by Owen Horsley, and feature Mark Quartley and Minnie Gale as, respectively, Henry VI and Margaret.
Henry VI: Rebellion runs 1 April – 28 May, and Wars of the Roses runs 11 April – 3 June.
Henry VI Unwrapped: an onstage demonstration 10.15-11.15am Tickets £5-£8 available from rsc.org.uk or 01789 331111 Suitable for ages 12+
There will also be an opportunity to find out more about the Henry VI productions from actors and members of the creative team as part of Henry VI Unwrapped. This session will offer a peek into the rehearsal room, with the Assistant Director and members of the cast looking at moments from the play. They will give an insight into how a scene is taken off the page and onto the stage, and reveal the type of exercises and discussions that took place during rehearsals.
SUNDAY 24 APRIL
Show and Tell with AEG presents in association with United Talent Agency The Guilty Feminist Royal Shakespeare Theatre Sunday 24 April, 7.30pm Tickets from £12.50 available from rsc.org.uk or 01789 331111
Less of a podcast and more of a global phenomenon, The Guilty Feminist is part comedy, part deep-dive discussion and part activism. Hosted by Deborah Frances-White and featuring a different array of world class guests each night, together, they examine our noble goals as 21st century feminists – and our hypocrisies and insecurities that undermine those goals.
With over 95 million downloads in six years, this is the show that proves you don’t have to be perfect to be a force for meaningful change.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Second Edition
A new edition of the RSC Complete Works of William Shakespeare will be published on 21 April 2022. Developed in a partnership between the RSC and Bloomsbury Academic, this revised second edition combines exemplary textual scholarship with beautiful design. Curated by expert editors Sir Jonathan Bate and Professor Eric Rasmussen, the text in this collection is based on the iconic 1623 First Folio: the first and original Complete Works assembled by Shakespeare’s fellow actors, and the version of Shakespeare’s text preferred by many actors and directors today.
This edition presents Shakespeare’s plays as they were originally intended – as living theatre to be enjoyed and performed on stage. Along with new colour photographs from a vibrant range of RSC productions, and a foreword by RSC Artistic Director, Gregory Doran, a new Stage Notes feature documenting the staging choices in 100 RSC productions showcases the myriad ways in which Shakespeare’s plays can be brought to life.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare will be available to buy in the RSC’s shop in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and online from 21 April. It is available to pre-order now from shop.rsc.org.uk
‘Persuasion’, based on the novel of the same name by Jane Austen, is an absolute theatrical masterpiece. Adapted by Jeff James to combine 19th century literature with modern day music and clothing, this show takes two things that seem like polar opposites and smashes them together, creating a work of art.
The story focuses on Anne (Sasha Frost) as she decides to stay with her sister, Mary (Helen Cripps) and her husband Charles (Dorian Simpson) and son Samuel (Daniel Aiden Matembe) when her father is forced to move to Bath, and let out their house to make money. Helen Cripps is fantastic at portraying Mary as a stubborn, self-contradicting permanently angry wife, and Dorian Simpson perfectly contrasts with her character, as the more light-hearted, relaxed husband. Annes father (Emilio Doorgasingh) takes with him Anne’s other sister, Elizabeth (Matilda Bailes) who is absolutely desperate to find a husband, because she is almost thirty years of age and still not married. Matilda Bailes portrays this character in such a comical way that it is quite difficult to feel sad for her, especially with some of the comments made by other characters about her need to be married soon. Back in her hometown, Anne soon discovers that the family who are staying in the house includes somebody from her past, who she hasn’t seen in ten years. She discovers that Captain Wentworth (Fred Fergus) is back on land from his travels with the navy, and is still bitter about his history with Anne. By the end of the play, Anne has changed her view on marriage, as she realises in hindsight that she should have accepted a marriage proposal years beforehand.
The set is made up of a tall platform, which appears slightly catwalk-like, and is lit up with lights around the edge. This platform is in two halves, and the top half rotates at certain points during the play. This set works brilliantly with a lot of the scenes, such as each time Anne physically pushes somebody off the side because she doesn’t like what they are saying, symbolizing how her character is pushing them away. This also allows the more serious moments of the play to work really well.
This play is brilliant at representing how the issues from the 19th century, as shown in Austen’s works, are still relevant today, as the scenes all use the same language as the novels, but are set in modern settings, with modern music. It should not be missed by anybody.
