Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most frequently performed plays, and it is a story filled with death, danger and prophesy.
Theatre review of the 2019 & what to see in 2020
With a new year fast approaching, it is an interesting time to reflect on small changes across the theatre landscape in 2019 that will continue to shape how UK theatre will look as it moves into a new decade.
‘Delightfully atmospheric piece of theatre: A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Middle Temple Hall
Antic Disposition’s A Christmas Carol is true to both the spirit and detail of the book, while adding its own sense of playfulness that feels fresh and modern.
‘A show not to be missed’: MACBETH – Temple Church ★★★★
Performed on a vast traverse stage running directly through the middle of the stunning church venue, Antic Disposition’s new production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth transforms itself into a psychological thriller.
‘Delightfully dark & inspired’: MACBETH – Temple Church ★★★★
There have been numerous performances of Macbeth over the years, but what sets this production apart from more recent plays, as well as the beautiful venue, is the innovative ideas from the directors.
‘Chilling & atmospheric’: MACBETH – Temple Church ★★★★
This chilling and atmospheric production of Macbeth from Antic Disposition proves that with a stellar cast, inspired design and an intuitive understanding of Shakespeare’s text, you don’t need high tech bells and whistles to create something magical.
Are we in the middle of a golden age of Shakespeare productions?
So what can be done to make Shakespeare less boring, or prove that Shakespeare isn’t boring (depending on how you look at it)? It does feel to me that we’re in the middle of a golden age of Shakespeare productions.
What’s Debbie looking forward to in September 2018?
On the broader theatrical landscape, there are plenty of things opening this month! In London Eugenius! returns to The Other Palace, Milly Thomas’ Dust transfers to Trafalgar Studios 2, and Foxfinder opens at the Ambassadors.
‘Breathing new life into a much-loved play’: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – Gray’s Inn Hall
Antic Disposition has done it again – breathed new life into a much-loved and performed play. Gray’s Inn Hall is a wonderful setting for this updated production.
‘Full of wit & impeccable physical comedy’: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – Gray’s Inn Hall ★★★★
Anti Disposition’s Much Ado About Nothing is a visual treat that’s chock full of wit and impeccable physical comedy, not to mention the beautiful musical interludes – a glorious Shakespearean spectacle.
‘Undoubtedly a clever & resourceful company’: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – Gray’s Inn Hall ★★★
Does Beatrice love Benedick? Does Macron love May? The entente cordiale is alive and well in award-winning Antic Disposition’s lively production of Much Ado About Nothing.
Mind the Blog’s Christmas Carol recap
Kicking off my challenge was the Old Vic’s production, which I’ve seen four times (and by some bizarre providence I managed to see each actor playing Tiny Tim).
RICHARD III – Temple Church ★★★★
Antic Disposition’s RayBan-and-head-mike-modernised Richard III contrasts the glorious 12th century setting of Temple Church, with a terrific crash course in modern ensemble acting and a booming soundtrack.
RICHARD III – Temple Church
Antic Disposition’s Richard III presents a modern-dress version of the Elizabethan play staged in a medieval church, but the themes and bite are pure 21st century. This mixture combines to create something timeless.
HENRY V – Southwark Cathedral
Using a play within a play format, this version of Henry V begins in a field hospital in France in 1915 a group of French and English patients decide to put on a version of Henry V.
Once more unto the breach: What’s new about Henry V?
After an acclaimed tour in 2016, Antic Disposition’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V returns in February to embark on a tour of eight of the UK’s most historic and beautiful cathedrals, including Southwark Cathedral on Bankside in the heart of Shakespeare’s London. Antic Disposition’s Ben Horslen and John Riseboro explain their approach to the classic – and why they’ve cast French actors in it…
NEWS: Antic Disposition tours Henry V to cathedrals in February
Following on from an acclaimed UK tour earlier this year, Antic Disposition will be taking their production of Henry V to eight of the UK’s best cathedrals, from 2 to 22 February 2017.
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS – Gray’s Inn Hall
Sixteenth century farce that, unlike much of Shakespeare’s work, barely skirts around the human condition, doesn’t easily stand up to modern scrutiny. The Comedy Of Errors is an implausible tale of identical twins, mistaken identities and Benny Hill style chases across the stage and to work well, demands a stylish production.
HENRY V – Temple Church
In ordinary circumstances I need to be dragged to Shakespeare, and not even Hozier can Take Me To Church, but Antic Disposition’s happy coincidence of blood, bandage and badinage in a soldierly setting made their Henry V no penance at all.
To start with, Temple Church is a gorgeous light and vaulting space, and the planked traverse stage feels solid and well-appointed as does the whole place thanks to the patronage of the judges and barristers whose premises nudge in on it from every side. The Inner Temple is a funny little enclave of bourgeoisie: the men on Grindr wore ties.
NEWS: Antic Disposition celebrate tenth anniversary with two site-specific productions
Antic Disposition, founded in 2005 by director Ben Horslen and director/designer John Risebero, are to celebrate their tenth anniversary with two productions, both performed in spectacular site-specific locations in central London.
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