A History of the RSC in 50 Objects (Online)

This was probably the first production of The Forest on a British stage. The play is by Alexander Ostrovsky (1823 – 1886), Russia's first and most prolific professional playwright. One critic commented that the RSC had 'brought (Ostrovsky) kicking, roistering and vibrantly alive into the English theatre'. The company of actors were praised for their ensemble working. The cast included Alan Howard, Richard Pasco and Barbara Leigh-Hunt. Bob Crowley (designer) created a stripped wooden set with a gold leaf background decorated with religious ikons.

RSC 50 Events