Take this as purest Shakespearian tragedy: vigorous but classic, a magnificent magnification of the darkest human and political longing, of affection, terror, defensiveness, hubris and – in the women – a defiant courage that rings down the ages. Don’t miss Richard III at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford upon Avon.
‘Transporting us by engaging the heart, mind & soul’: How theatre-makers adapted in 2020
Here are Shane Morgan’s picks of how 2020 in theatre has continued to do what it does best: transporting us by engaging the heart, mind and soul.
‘It felt like we were all creating something very special together’: A fond farewell to The Show Must Go Online series
I may be woefully behind on my show write-ups, but I couldn’t not mark The Show Must Go Online coming to an end – at least until further notice.
NEWS: RSC will focus its 2021 Stratford-upon-Avon programme in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The Royal Shakespeare Company will focus its programming in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon over the coming year, with the Swan Theatre and The Other Place remaining closed until 2022
‘My favourite part of working in casting is meeting fresh, exciting talent’: Sydney Aldridge on the casting process for The Show Must Go Online
I’ve really admired the work of Sydney Aldridge throughout the course of The Show Must Go Online, so who better to talk to about casting and her experiences with this innovative Zoom theatre project?
‘Every single week gets more inventive!’ The Show Must Go Online actors discuss their lockdown hit
I posed some questions to The Show Must Go Online returnees Luke Barton, Kristin Atherton, David Johnson and Lucy Aarden about their experiences with this weekly lockdown hit.
Mind the Blog reflects on a theatre wish list for 2020
Mind the Blog has a fairly wide-ranging wish list of things I hope to see, including major shows such as Sunday in the Park with George, Evita, Magic Goes Wrong, Uncle Vanya and the Jamie Lloyd Company residency at the Playhouse Theatre.
‘Funny, sad & meaningful’: TEENAGE DICK – Donmar Warehouse
In Teenage Dick Mike Lew has created a version of Richard III that suits the high school context extremely well, asking the audience to consider attitudes to disability, power and social structures that perpetuate all kinds of inequality.
‘Full of passion & fury’: My Other Self: The Evolution of Shakespeare’s Richard III – Cockpit Theatre
All or Nothing Repertory Theatre Company’s My Other Self: The Evolution of Shakespeare’s Richard III weaves together elements of Henry VI Parts 2 and 3 and Richard III to show the influences and events that shaped Richard into one of Shakespeare’s most fascinating villains.
FEATURED SHOW: Check out the ★★★★ reviews for Headlong’s ‘heart-stopping’ Richard III at Alexandra Palace
“Thrilling”, “illuminating” & “excellent” – Headlong’s new production of Richard III has impressed critics in both Bristol, where it opened earlier this month, and at Alexandra Palace, where it continues until 31 March. Take a look at the fantastic reviews we’ve gathered together, then book your tickets!
‘Riveting & aesthetically smashing production’: RICHARD III – Alexandra Palace
Forgive me for blending my Shakespeares, but when I try to summarise Headlong’s Richard III, the phrase that comes to mind is pure sound and fury. And wicked good fun, too.
‘Deserves to be seen far & wide’: RICHARD III – London & Touring ★★★★★
Truly great acting is rare to see on stages these days, the type that elevates good work into a higher form of art. Yet right now at Bristol Old Vic, Tom Mothersdale’s Tricky Dicky, Richard III, is music, verse and sculpture of the highest order.
PRODUCTION IMAGES: Step into the dark, reflective world of Headlong’s Richard III
Mirrors, mist and paper crowns – the world of Headlong’s Richard III looks dark, Gothic and ominous. Check out these stunning production shots from the touring production’s run at Bristol Old Vic, then book your tickets for its run at London’s Alexandra Palace!
BEHIND THE SCENES: Discover more about the restoration of Alexandra Palace’s Victorian theatre before the arrival of Richard III
Alexandra Palace Theatre, which hosts Richard III from 13 to 31 March 2019, entertained audiences of thousands during its Victorian heyday, but has been closed to the public for 80 years. Thankfully it is open once more and co-producing the Shakespearean classic. Take a look at the fascinating restoration process.
GALLERY: Peek into rehearsals for Headlong & Alexandra Palace’s exciting new version of Richard III
Crowns, contortion and the most neatly arranged mood wall you’re ever likely to see – take a look into rehearsals for Richard III, then book your tickets to see it as it comes to the newly restored Alexandra Palace Theatre from 13 to 31 March 2019!
NEWS: Shakespeare returns to Alexandra Palace with Headlong co-production of Richard III
Far from a winter of discontent, March 2019 is the spring of excitement, as Alexandra Palace mounts its first ever co-production, staging Shakespeare’s Richard III with Headlong, Bristol Old Vic, Royal & Derngate Northampton and Oxford Playhouse. The history play runs in the newly restored London venue from 13 to 31 March.
NEWS: Pop-up Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre expands with second site at Blenheim Palace in 2019
Europe’s first ever pop-up Shakespearean Theatre – Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre – has announced its expansion for 2019 with a summer residency of nine weeks at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.
It’s good to be reminded that Shakespeare really is everyone’s playwright
Brush up your Shakespeare? Well yes, Cole Porter, I had plenty of chances to do just that last week when I attended Shakespeare performances on three consecutive evenings.
NEWS: Full details are revealed on the Bard’s birthday for the pop-up Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre in York
Today, on the birthday of William Shakespeare, full details have been announced for Europe’s first ever pop-up Shakespearean Theatre – Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre – which makes its debut in the historic city of York in June. Preparations are well underway for a ground-breaking ‘Summer of Shakespeare’. Highlights include: Directors Lindsay Posner, Damian Cruden and Juliet Forster to lead two companies …
RICHARD III – Barons Court Theatre ★★
Shakespeare’s play has been adapted and transported to 1960s London, where the Krays reign supreme and hold the East End in terror – in a nod to these famous twins, Richard himself is split into two distinct characters.