Join the RSC on August 31 for an exciting programme of events at the Company's annual Open Day
24 July 2008
On Sunday 31 August, the Royal Shakespeare Company will open its doors once again to the public for its annual Open Day in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Open Day features an exciting and varied line-up of free and paid-for events aimed at fans of the Bard and theatre-lovers of all ages, and is the perfect opportunity to find out more about one of the most well-known theatre companies in the world.
Activities will take place at several venues around the town, including the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre, the theatre gardens, The Shakespeare Institute, Holy Trinity Church and the RSC workshops at Timothy’s Bridge Road, to name just a few locations.
The Open Day will give everyone a glimpse into the work that goes into making a production come to life, with a myriad of talks and hands-on sessions about theatre disciplines including costume, lighting and sound, make-up, wigs, armoury and stage fighting.
Other events include a Shakespearean interactive dancing competition, inspired by the recent spate of popular TV dancing shows; The Great Shakespeare Quiz, in which two teams pit their wits to see which knows the most about the Bard; and, to end the day - hot from the Edinburgh Festival - award-winning comedian, Russell Kane, performs his hilarious four-hander Fakespeare.
The Open Day is supported by Mace Group, an RSC Community Partner, and the construction managers on the transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. On the day Mace Group will get their kit on, and fight it out against teams from the RSC and The Dirty Duck to see who will be victorious in a special football tournament.
Amongst the host of talks on offer, RSC actors Oliver Ford Davies, Patrick Stewart and David Tennant (all currently appearing in Hamlet) will reflect on their experiences of working at the RSC and with Shakespeare.
People will also have the chance to find out the latest on the transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre; there will be access to limited parts of site on the Open Day, as well as displays and talks from those involved in this landmark project.
Mark Ball, Head of RSC Events and Exhibitions, said, "The RSC's annual Open Day has firmly established itself as a brilliant opportunity for everyone to interact with those people who help bring a play alive. As well as onstage talks and demonstrations, you'll be able to tour our scenic workshops, listen to RSC musicians, see how we create realistic fight scenes, cheer on your favourite team in the football tournament, be the star in your own poster and try on fake wounds and scars!”
Rob Ewen, Director of Mace Group, said: “Mace Group is proud to be managing the transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and is delighted to be supporting the RSC’s Open Day as community partner. Our sponsorship is aimed at helping more people understand and enjoy what the RSC does, and see how we are helping the Company to create a new and fantastic space for the performance of Shakespeare.”
Highlights of the Open Day programme include:
Shakespeare and Me
The Courtyard Theatre, 11.45am -12.45pm, £10 (£5 for 16-25 year olds)
RSC actors David Tennant and Patrick Stewart and RSC Chief Associate Director, Gregory Doran, reflect on their careers and their relationships with Shakespeare. Limited ticket availability.
RSC Music in the Church
Holy Trinity Church, 1-2pm, £5
RSC Chief Associate Director, Gregory Doran and RSC Director of Music John Woolf introduce newly discovered musical treasures from the RSC Archives, performed by the RSC Band and Choir in the beautiful surrounding of Holy Trinity Church.
Journeys with Shakespeare
The Shakespeare Institute, 2.15 – 3.15pm, £10 (£5 for 16-25 year olds)
From Cape Town to Damascus, Moscow to Rio - join Associate Director Deborah Shaw and guests as they share their experiences of Shakespeare across the globe and from a wide range of different cultural perspectives.
Working with the Works
The Shakespeare Institute, 3.30pm – 4.30pm, £10 (£5 for 16-25 year olds)
Jonathan Bate, co-editor of the RSC Complete Works and RSC Chief Associate Director Gregory Doran in discussion, looking at how an editor’s decision can affect interpretive choices in the rehearsal room and performance.
Shakespeare's Church
Holy Trinity Church, 3.45-4.45pm, £5
The Reverend Martin Gorick and guests discuss the role the Holy Trinity Church had in Shakespeare’s life, and how it may have influenced his work.
Performing Shakespeare
The Courtyard Theatre, 7-8pm, £10 (£5 for 16-25 year olds)
Drawing on a lifetime's experience of playing Shakespearean roles, Oliver Ford Davies and company talk about the practical challenges involved in performing Shakespeare. Oliver Ford Davies spent twelve years with the RSC performing in over twenty-five productions and won the Olivier Award for Best Actor for Racing Demon whilst at the National Theatre. This year sees Oliver return to the RSC as part of the Hamlet acting company.
The Great Shakespeare Quiz
The Courtyard Theatre, 8.30-9.30pm, £10 (£5 for 16-25 year olds)
Following the success of last year’s contest, more RSC alumni and special guests battle against each other to be crowned the Kings and Queens of Shakespearian knowledge.
Russell Kane: "Fakespeare - the Lamentable Tragedie of Yate's Wine Lodge"
The Courtyard Theatre, 10-11pm, £10 (£5 for 16-25 year olds)
Award-winning stand-up comedian, Russell Kane, ends Open Day in hilarious fashion with his show straight from Edinburgh. Hear Shakespeare’s language as never before spoken by Sharonetti, Traceccia, Daveutio and Garyenti. “Nearly as funny as Donald Sinden,” Michael Boyd, RSC Artistic Director
For full details of the day’s programme, times, venues and costs visit www.rsc.org.uk/openday or call the RSC Ticket Hotline on 0844 800 1110.
Tickets for paid for events can be purchased in advance, whereas tickets for free events will be available on the day.
Further information
For more press information contact:
Dean Asker, RSC Press Office
dean.asker@rsc.org.uk or 01789 412660.
Notes to editors
Images from previous Open Days and of some of those participating in this year’s Open Day are available on request from Dean Asker.
Media interested in attending the day should contact Dean Asker to discuss opportunities.
