Following on from the instant success of National Theatre At Home streaming event, it’s got me thinking about all the other wonderful NT Live screenings that I’d love to come to the small screen as part of this series. I have narrowed it down to my top 10.
‘Quite extraordinary innovation’: THE TAMING OF THE SHREW – The Show Must Go Online
The success of Show Must Go Online’s engrossing The Taming Of The Shrew is a real credit to the company’s creativity and the magic of this emerging art form.
‘A roaring success’: The Show Must Go Online’s Shakespeare series makes an impressive start
Last week saw the first production of The Show Must Go Online, a series devised by Rob Myles (who Mind the Blog regulars will recognise from Merely Theatre’s Twelfth Night and his insight into Shakespeare dramaturgy) which will bring a different Shakespeare play to YouTube each week with a rotating cast of actors.
‘Inclusive & engaging’: MACBETH – Greenwich Theatre ★★★★
A bold production of the Scottish Play from Lazarus Theatre with a heavy focus on power and ambition – a great introduction to Macbeth and Shakespeare.
FIRST LOOK: Take a look at the modern setting for The Merchant of Venice with newly released production shots
Gold lame curtains, hoodies and hi-vis – we wouldn’t naturally associate them with Shakespeare, but this is the world of the new production of The Merchant of Venice, currently playing at Drayton Arms Theatre. Take a look at the production images, then book your tickets.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Sneak into rehearsals for the bold new production of The Merchant of Venice
Have a peek at what a modern take on Shakespeare’s drama of vengeance, commodities, appearance and reality with rehearsal images from the new production of The Merchant of Venice directed by Alex Pearson. Book your tickets now!
NEWS: Bold take on The Merchant of Venice comes to Drayton Arms
Shakespeare’s great drama of mercy and manipulation, The Merchant of Venice, is to receive a striking new revival by theatre companies Poetic Justice Productions and Wolf Sister Productions when it is staged at the Drayton Arms Theatre this autumn.
‘It’s very easy to see all sorts of contemporary parallels’: Director Paul Miller on Macbeth at Chichester Festival Theatre
Chichester Festival Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Macbeth, led by John Simm and Dervla Kirwan as the corrupted couple, marks a homecoming for director Paul Miller.
Text of the Day: Sam Wanamaker arrives on site
One from the archives: In 1988, excavations began on the site of Shakespeare’s Globe and the occasion called for a symbolic moment.
‘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.
It’s been a summer of Shakespeare Dreams
“What angel wakes me from my flowery bed?” A plethora of productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, that’s what.
‘Carnival reaches Southwark’: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★
Carnival reaches Southwark in this vibrant new A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with a lively cast &and colourful designs – and don’t get comfortable if you’re a groundling.
‘A fresh perspective’: HENRY V – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★★
A fresh perspective on the classic Henry V, concluding Hal’s journey from errant prince to conquering king – an action-packed end to the trilogy.
‘Echoes through to modern-day instabilities’: HENRY IV PART 1 – Shakespeare’s Globe ★★★★★
Henry IV Part 1 is a fast-paced, fun production that speaks to our politically unstable times – a great way to start the new season.
‘Doesn’t quite live up to its promise’: OTHELLO – Union Theatre ★★★
Closing Phil Willmott’s ‘Enemies of the People’ 2019 Essential Classics season is Shakespeare’s classic Othello, marking the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, with events set in the British Raj.
‘Shamelessly rousing & disappointingly crude’: EMILIA – West End
Triumphant, if crude, the West End transfer of Emilia is a heartfelt account of a Renaissance woman who has been hidden from history.
‘A dynamic production’: THE TEMPEST – Greenwich Theatre
Lazarus Theatre’s The Tempest is a dynamic production of a potentially tedious play, bound together in a stark & bold design – Alexander da Fonseca gives a standout performance.
FEATURED SHOW: Discover the fantastic ★★★★★ reviews for hit shows The Unknown Soldier & Gratiano
“Magnificent”, “Unmissable” and “Masterful” – since their premiere’s Ross Ericson’s one-man shows The Unknown Soldier and Gratiano have been showered with praise and stars. Take a look at these reviews from performances at the Edinburgh, Brighton and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, then book your tickets .
‘Ninety minutes of pure joy’: TWELFTH NIGHT – Southwark Playhouse ★★★★
Anna Girvan’s music festival themed production of Twelfth Night has plenty of nice elements to it – but can get carried away with itself at times.
‘I cried when I first read The Unknown Soldier’: Michelle Yim tells us about directing the acclaimed First World War drama.
‘I was quite ignorant about WW1’s history.’ It’s a big admission to make from Michelle Yim, who directs Ross Ericson’s hit one-man drama The Unknown Soldier, which is set in the aftermath of the First World War. Find out what Yim learned, and what it’s like to direct the show’s playwright, in our interview.