William Shakespeare Archives | Page 5 of 7

REVIEW: Richard II, Arcola Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Matthew Lunn6th May 2016 Off West End, Reviews

Macbeth When asked to reflect on Shakespeare’s most ‘political’ plays, many of us would say and Richard III without a thought. Such is the astonishing influence of House of Cards, whose iterations are both strongly influenced by these political tragedies. Consequently this ‘new version’ of Richard II, which retains Shakespeare’s text but is set in modern-day Parliament, risks unfavourable comparisons. In fact, it is a very shrewd interpretation, with excellent performances from the two leads, a very solid supporting cast, and a simple but highly effective set.

King Lear UK Tour 2016

Douglas Mayo13th July 201618th January 2016 News, Touring

THIS TOUR OF KING LEAR HAS NOW CONCLUDED The Ambassador Theatre Group have announced that a new Royal and Derngate Theatre, Northampton production of Shakepeare’s greatest tragedy King Lear will tour the UK from April to July 2016. Renowned Shakespearean actor and two time Olivier Award nominee Michael Pennington will reprise the role of King Lear after his highly acclaimed performance at the Shakespeare Center New York in 2014. Michael will be joined by a distinguished cast of thirteen actors. In Shakespeare’s epic tragedy, an ageing tyrant’s decision to divide his kingdom tears his family apart, sparks catastrophic civil war and destroys all that he has. Driven from his home, King Lear endures madness, blindness and great suffering as he battles a great storm. Yet with madness he finds reason, from blindness he gains new sight, after betrayal he discovers loyalty and through his suffering a better world emerges. … Read more

Shakespeare’s Globe Announces First Season Under Emma Rice

Douglas Mayo25th February 20165th January 2016 News, Touring, West End

Emma Rice - Artistic Director Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe today announced Emma Rice’s inaugural season as Artistic Director which will be entitled the Wonder Season. The season will comprise A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming Of The Shrew, Macbeth, 946 The Amazing Story Of Adolphus Tips and Imogen, whilst Jonathan Munby’s The Merchant Of Venice starring Jonathan Pryce will open at the Liverpool Playhouse, tour nationally and internationally and return to the Globe stage in October. The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse will host a touring production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Kneehigh’s The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk. Designer Les Brotherston will install a magical forest which will spill from the piazza onto London’s Bankside welcoming everyone to the Globe’s season of Wonder. A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Emma Rice will play from 30 April – 11 September, Caroline Byrne’s The Taming Of The Shrew will play from 13 May – 6 August, and Macbeth will … Read more

The Winter’s Tale Tops UK Cinema Box Office

Douglas Mayo25th February 201628th November 2015 News, West End

Having sold out it’s entire run at the Garrick Theatre, the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company‘s production of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale topped the UK Box Office Charts this week when it grossed £1.1 million at screenings around the country. The Winter’s Tale was screened to 520 cinemas across the UK and 1300 cinemas worldwide. Encore broadcasts will be held across the UK during the Christmas period. The screening of the production beat The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 to claim the top spot. The Winter’s Tale, Shakespeare’s timeless tragicomedy of obsession and redemption, which opened to critical acclaim at London’s Garrick Theatre on 7 November, is reimagined in a new production co-directed by Rob Ashford and Kenneth Branagh. Judi Dench plays Paulina opposite Kenneth Branagh as Leontes. Kenneth Branagh said: “To be able to celebrate our production of The Winter’s Tale with cinema audiences is a true privilege. I would … Read more

REVIEW: Titus Andronicus, New Wimbledon Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Matthew Lunn24th April 201926th October 2015 Off West End

Titus Andronicus at New Wimbledon Theatre

Titus Andronicus is not one of Shakespeare’s finest plays, but Arrow and Traps’ Theatre Company do a splendid job with their adrenaline fuelled, and often nightmarish interpretation. The excellent choreography, universally strong performances and nicely observed modern touches means that if you can stomach the premise, the production’s not to missed.

REVIEW: The Wars Of The Roses- Henry VI, Rose Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Tim Hochstrasser22nd October 201516th October 2015 Off West End, Reviews

Henry VI stands out as the play in this triptych that most benefits from Barton’s editing and clarifications. Characters and scenes are cut away in profusion to reveal a focus on the nature of good and bad governance.

REVIEW: Hamlet, Barbican Theatre ✭✭

Stephen Collins26th August 201525th August 2015 Reviews, West End

The play’s the thing – wherein to catch the conscience of a King. And the hearts of an audience. Turner needs to pay more attention to the play and the actors. At the moment, to slightly misquote Hamlet, “Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of Shakespeare’s greatest play.”

REVIEW: King John, Globe Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Stephen Collins16th June 201515th June 2015 Off West End, Reviews

King John at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

James Dacre takes full advantage of the play’s many moods and shifts of emphasis and style, with the result that the evening is rambunctious and thoroughly engaging: something like a political roller-coaster ride. This is a play where it is hard to work out who the real villain might be – there are a number of contenders for that appellation. But the real benefit of Dacre’s production is that the characters get full value, and what rich and rewarding characters they turn out to be.