Theatre, film and more at the RSC this Summer
12 March 2007
During the summer months, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon comes into its own. The town welcomes visitors from every corner of the globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) hosts a number of special events alongside its core programme of onstage performances.
Inspired by the legacy of its hugely successful Complete Works Festival, in 2007 the RSC will present a mix of international and multicultural theatre, a full programme of events and the next instalments in Michael Boyd’s two-and-a-half year project to stage all of Shakespeare’s history plays using the same ensemble of 29 actors.
Chose from one of nine productions on stage; watch Shakespeare-inspired films on a huge outdoor screen; chew the fat over brunch with well-known politicians and writers in The England Debate; or tread the boards yourself at The Dell – the RSC’s outdoor theatre space for amateur and student actors.
On stage
- King Lear: directed by Trevor Nunn and with Ian McKellen in the title role. 24 March-21 June in The Courtyard Theatre.
- The Seagull: directed by Trevor Nunn with Frances Barber as Arkadina. 17 April-21 June in The Courtyard Theatre.
- Macbeth: Shakespeare’s tragedy directed by Connal Morrison. 11 April-21 July in the Swan Theatre.
- Macbett: Ionesco’s comically dark remaking of Shakespeare’s play directed by Silviu Purcarete. 25 May-21 July in the Swan Theatre.
- Richard II: the fifth production in Michael Boyd’s ensemble project with Jonathan Slinger in the title role. From 7 July in The Courtyard Theatre.
- Henry IV Part I: the sixth instalment in Michael Boyd’s Histories project with David Warner as Falstaff. From 17 July in The Courtyard Theatre. Henry IV Part II: directed by Michael Boyd with Clive Wood in the title role. From the 25 July in The Courtyard Theatre.
- The Penelopiad: based on Margaret Atwood’s book, this world premiere is directed by Josette Bushell-Mingo. From 27 July – 18 August 2007 in the Swan Theatre.
- Twelfth Night: directed by Neil Bartlett for the RSC. From 30 August 2007 in The Coutryard Theatre.
Events
Film
Shakespeare on Film: An open air season of films shown on a huge outdoor screen on the Recreation Ground in Stratford-upon-Avon. From 9pm:
- Sat 11 Aug: Shakespeare in Love
- Sun 12 Aug: Throne of Blood
- Sat 18 Aug: Love’s Labour’s Lost
- Sun 19 Aug: Omkara
- Sat 25 Aug: West Side Story
- Sun 26 Aug: My Own Private Idaho
Family Activities
- Ice-cream Sundays: Storytelling around King Lear and The Seagull for 5-9 year olds and their parent/guardian. Sundays throughout June, 10-11.30am.
- Parent Matinees: Practical workshops for children on The Penelopiad and Henry IV Part I whilst parents watch the matinee. Various Saturdays from August 1-6pm
- Storytelling (Under 5s): Storytelling for under 5s with parent or guardian. Various Saturdays 9.15-10am.
- Storytelling (5-9s): Saturday 29 September and Saturday 17 November 11-12 noon.
Debate
The English Debate: Shakespeare, England and Identity: First in a series of ‘in conversation’ talks with leading writers, politicians and personalities. Chaired by Joan Bakewell. Sunday 29 July, Courtyard Theatre. 1-2pm. Brunch served from 11am.
Workshops
The Seagull, Theatre Unwrapped: A practical demonstration of theatre skills. Saturday 9 June, The Courtyard Theatre, 11am-12pm.
- Practising Theatre with John Barton: RSC Advisory Director John Barton leads a workshop. Saturday 16 June, 10am-12pm in the Swan.
- Shakespeare Performance Day, Henry IV Part I: A one day workshop for 16-25 year olds including matinee. Saturday 4 August. 10am, RSC rehearsal rooms.
Talks
Post-show talk backs: Discussions on stage post performance with members of the acting and creative teams from The Seagull, King Lear, Macbett and The Penelopiad.
- Macbeth and Macbett: Two Takes on One Tale: Three sessions exploring the two plays. Saturday 14 July from 11am, Swan Theatre.
- Old Tales From New: Talks on narratives of the past inspiring new work. 11am-12pm, Swan Theatre.
- Director Talks: Pre-show discussion with the play’s director on The Penelopiad and Henry IV Parts I and II. Other:
- The Dell: The RSC’s riverside oudoor theatre space for schools, students and amateur companies returns this summer. For information on how to take part email: thedell@rsc.org.uk
About 100 miles north of London, Stratford’s location at the heart of England, makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. 20 minutes from the Cotswolds and around 45 minutes from Oxford or Birmingham City Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in history and has everything from world-class shopping and heritage to Michelin starred restaurants and world-famous culture literally on its doorstep.
For further updates and information visit: www.rsc.org.uk or contact our ticket hotline on: 0844 800 1110.
Other useful sources of information:
- Combine RSC theatre tickets with a short-break and a specially tailored short break for you. Visit www.rscshortbreaks.co.uk
- For information about South Warwickshire and for a full list of accommodation visit www.shakespeare-country.co.uk
- For information about what to do in the central England area visit www.visitheartofengland.com/
Ends
Further information
For press information contact: Jo Hammond at the RSC Press Office on 01789 272351 or joanna.hammond@rsc.org.uk
Notes to editors
Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon and beyond
The Shakespeare Houses
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust owns and cares for five beautifully preserved period homes and gardens all connected with Shakespeare and his family. For information contact the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust on www.shakespeare.org.uk or +44 (0)1789 204016
Holy Trinity Church
A couple of minutes walk from the RSC, is Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare was baptised and is buried. The Church is open to visitors from 9am to 4pm and from 12.30pm onwards on Sundays (subject to parish demands).
Members of the public can find out more about attractions in South Warwickshire and central England at www.shakespeare-country.co.uk or www.visitheartofengland.com
Getting here and where to stay
Travelling by car: Stratford-upon-Avon is 10 minutes from Junction 15 of the M40. Stratford-upon-Avon is clearly signposted from Junction 15.
Travelling by train: Regular direct trains run from Stratford-upon-Avon station to London Marylebone, Oxford and Birmingham. www.chilternrailways.co.uk.
Travelling by air: The closest airports to Stratford-upon-Avon are Birmingham International Airport (www.bhx.co.uk) and Coventry Airport (www.coventryairport.co.uk). Airlines that fly to Birmingham International Airport include British Airways, Continental Airlines and SAS.
Where to stay
For a comprehensive list of hotels, bed and breakfasts, caravan and campsites, and other accommodation visit: www.shakespeare-country.co.uk or put together a specially devised short break by visiting: www.rscshortbreaks.co.uk.
