182 results for your search
Hamlet
1940's retelling of the classic, set in an upper-class family in postwar London.
Treachery, Sex, Betrayal, Revenge and Murder are the hallmarks of this Shakespeare classic. A thrilling digital feature for a 21st century audience, that preserves the emotion and energy of the original, but presents it in a brand ne...
1940's retelling of the classic, set in an upper-class family in postwar London.
Treachery, Sex, Betrayal, Revenge and Murder are the hallmarks of this Shakespeare classic. A thrilling digital feature for a 21st century audience, that preserves the emotion and energy of the original, but presents it in a brand new way.
To be, or not to be. That is the question.
Bruce Ramsay, 1966- Lara Gilchrist, 0082- Peter Wingfield, 1962-
Hamlet
Heavy Metal Hamlet
It is said that Hamlet is a play that most encapsulates the existential dilemma of the 20th century. In behavior veering between levity and solemnity; savagery and courtesy; irony and pathos; Hamlet reveals to us, in a series of images, the hysteria of his emotions. In this unsettled world the Cho...
It is said that Hamlet is a play that most encapsulates the existential dilemma of the 20th century. In behavior veering between levity and solemnity; savagery and courtesy; irony and pathos; Hamlet reveals to us, in a series of images, the hysteria of his emotions. In this unsettled world the Chorus as conduits to the other characters in Hamlet's dream/nightmare flesh out the narrative.
After learning the terrible secret contain...
Director's NotesIt is said that Hamlet is a play that most encapsulates the existential dilemma of the 20th century. In behavior veering between levity and solemnity; savagery and courtesy; irony and pathos; Hamlet reveals to us, in a series of images, the hysteria of his emotions. In this unsettled world the Chorus as conduits to the other characters in Hamlet's dream/nightmare flesh out the narrative.
After learning the terrible secret contained in the Ghost's utterances and with exhortations to revenge seared into his memory, Hamlet struggles with his own overwhelming inaction. Whether Hamlet is mad or not is irrelevant, but his despair is genuine and believable. Hamlet constantly questions life itself and its relevance. It is this behavior, with its seesawing emotions and changes of heart that dominate this series of scenes and vignettes that comprise this new look at Hamlet. Hamlet questions everyone that he encounters like an interrogator, those he does not question he accuses, those he does not accuse he welcomes, full of contradictions.
Hamlet is placed at the center of the maelstrom and Ophelia, Gertrude, Claudius and all the other players circle around him. As Hamlet floats on the waves they swim within them. Hamlet is elevated from the other players and deals with the world from his aerie, disconnected and disaffected. The song 'Paranoid' outlines Hamlet's interior state and all the music, chosen from the late 60's provides a sound bridge into the psyche of the historical Prince who could not make up his mind.
John Nobbs, fl. 2012 Caroline Dunphy, fl. 2003 Phillip Gillman, fl. 1997
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Horrible Histories, Horrible Histories: Special: Sensational Shakespeare
April 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Britain's greatest playwright, William Shakespeare (or is it William Shagspeare or Willm Shakspere - even the great Bard himself didn't know!).
In this episode, we look at the life and times of the playwright - from his largely unknown and humble beginnings in...
April 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Britain's greatest playwright, William Shakespeare (or is it William Shagspeare or Willm Shakspere - even the great Bard himself didn't know!).
In this episode, we look at the life and times of the playwright - from his largely unknown and humble beginnings in Stratford, through his times as a jobbing actor in London, to his success as the country's most respected and financially savvy writer...
April 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Britain's greatest playwright, William Shakespeare (or is it William Shagspeare or Willm Shakspere - even the great Bard himself didn't know!).
In this episode, we look at the life and times of the playwright - from his largely unknown and humble beginnings in Stratford, through his times as a jobbing actor in London, to his success as the country's most respected and financially savvy writer. Along the way we meet his gang of London friends, the playwrights, poets and brawlers Marlowe, Jonson and Spenser.
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Julius Caesar
Live from Stratford-upon-Avon, King Lear
King Lear has ruled for many years. As age overtakes him, he divides his kingdom amongst his children. Misjudging their loyalty, he soon finds himself stripped of all the trappings of state, wealth and power that had defined him.
"Sher is magnificent at the fierce, rebarbative side of this monarch. Reduced to long...
King Lear has ruled for many years. As age overtakes him, he divides his kingdom amongst his children. Misjudging their loyalty, he soon finds himself stripped of all the trappings of state, wealth and power that had defined him.
"Sher is magnificent at the fierce, rebarbative side of this monarch. Reduced to long johns and a white shirt, he also affectingly communicates the man who, liberated by adversity, exposes himself to feel what wretches f...
King Lear has ruled for many years. As age overtakes him, he divides his kingdom amongst his children. Misjudging their loyalty, he soon finds himself stripped of all the trappings of state, wealth and power that had defined him.
"Sher is magnificent at the fierce, rebarbative side of this monarch. Reduced to long johns and a white shirt, he also affectingly communicates the man who, liberated by adversity, exposes himself to feel what wretches feel ...The production is packed with very good performances. Paapa Essiedu oozes sardonic drollery as the bastard Edmund. David Troughton beautifully traces Gloucester’s journey from credulous blusterer to the broken-but-wiser figure who’s comforted in his blindness by a mad king. " (The Independent ★★★★)
"Sir Antony Sher ... gives us his King Lear ... a mightily impressive performance – one that will rank as a crowning achievement in a major career – in a production, directed by Gregory Doran ... that is bolted together with clarity, insight and a relish for the monumental." (The Daily Telegraph ★★★★)
"Sher offers such a vivid impression of power fading that you can feel how a mind would warp itself to make sense of such a decline." (The Times) "David Troughton’s Gloucester finds the searing truth the play contains ... Paapa Essiedu in a charismatic performance that is at once wounded and threatening... James Clyde makes a strong impression as Cornwall... Clarence Smith is suitably dignified as Albany." (The Sunday Times) "Sher himself is as monumental as the role… there’s no doubt you’re in the hands of one of his generation’s great Shakespearean actors, and he’s never less than mesmerising to watch." (WhatsOn Stage ★★★★) Sir Antony Sher, 1949- Nia Gwynne, fl. 2000 Kelly Williams, fl. 2016
Live from Stratford-upon-Avon, Othello
Othello is the greatest general of his age. A fearsome warrior, loving husband and revered defender of Venice against its enemies. But he is also an outsider whose victories have created enemies of his own, men driven by prejudice and jealousy to destroy him. As they plot in the shadows, Othello realises too late...
Othello is the greatest general of his age. A fearsome warrior, loving husband and revered defender of Venice against its enemies. But he is also an outsider whose victories have created enemies of his own, men driven by prejudice and jealousy to destroy him. As they plot in the shadows, Othello realises too late that the greatest danger lies not in the hatred of others, but his own fragile and destructive pride.
"The ensemble work here is terrif...
Othello is the greatest general of his age. A fearsome warrior, loving husband and revered defender of Venice against its enemies. But he is also an outsider whose victories have created enemies of his own, men driven by prejudice and jealousy to destroy him. As they plot in the shadows, Othello realises too late that the greatest danger lies not in the hatred of others, but his own fragile and destructive pride.
"The ensemble work here is terrific but it’s the inspired playing, and the crucial shift of perspective, at the heart of the production that makes this event as electrifying as it is long overdue." (The Daily Telegraph ★★★★)
"Iqbal Khan’s gripping production has already made history by being the first at Stratford to cast a black actor as Iago. But I had not anticipated how many fascinating ideas such an imaginative piece of casting would provoke. Hugh Quarshie is an excellent Othello torn between ancient loyalties and his assimilationist position, between his aching love for Desdemona and his easily fostered insecurity... his strong Othello is reinforced by Lucian Msamati’s outstanding Iago. Joanna Vanderham is a striking Desdemona, combining a tactile physicality with total devotion to Othello. " (The Guardian ★★★★)
"The production, with a palatial set designed and lit by Ciaran Bagnall, raises fascinating questions and grips throughout in what is a significant milestone for the RSC." (The Independent)
"Iqbal Khan’s compellingly fresh production casts at its heart two black actors. Lucian Msamati’s charming, charismatic Iago sets out to destroy Hugh Quarshie’s restrained and anti-heroic Othello out of an inexplicable hatred that cannot easily be categorised as racism.[A] Compelling and freshly focused, anti-heroic and unlyrical production, packed with twists and surprises." (The Stage ★★★★)
Hugh Quarshie, 1954- Lucian Gabriel Wiina Msamati, 1976- Joanna Vanderham, 1991- Show more Show less
Live from Stratford-upon-Avon, Titus Andronicus
Titus has returned from a brutal 10-year war having lost 21 sons in battle. Betrayed by his nation, and with his family in pieces, a series of bloody events follows as he and Tamora, Queen of the Goths begin a violent cycle of revenge. Rape, cannibalism, mutilation and murder are the gruesome tools in Shakespeare..
Titus has returned from a brutal 10-year war having lost 21 sons in battle. Betrayed by his nation, and with his family in pieces, a series of bloody events follows as he and Tamora, Queen of the Goths begin a violent cycle of revenge. Rape, cannibalism, mutilation and murder are the gruesome tools in Shakespeare’s bloodiest play.
Blanche McIntyre directs this chillingly contemporary Titus Andronicus. Filmed live in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre...
Titus has returned from a brutal 10-year war having lost 21 sons in battle. Betrayed by his nation, and with his family in pieces, a series of bloody events follows as he and Tamora, Queen of the Goths begin a violent cycle of revenge. Rape, cannibalism, mutilation and murder are the gruesome tools in Shakespeare’s bloodiest play.
Blanche McIntyre directs this chillingly contemporary Titus Andronicus. Filmed live in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in July 2017.
David Troughton, 1950- Patrick Drury, fl. 1976 Jon Tarcy, fl. 2015
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Live from Stratford-upon-Avon, Love's Labour's Lost
The King and his friends take an oath to dedicate themselves to a life of study and avoid the company of women for three years. No sooner have they made their idealistic pledge than the Princess of France and her ladies-in-waiting arrive, presenting the men with a severe test of their high-minded resolve.
"This is...
The King and his friends take an oath to dedicate themselves to a life of study and avoid the company of women for three years. No sooner have they made their idealistic pledge than the Princess of France and her ladies-in-waiting arrive, presenting the men with a severe test of their high-minded resolve.
"This is the most blissfully entertaining and emotionally involving RSC offering I’ve seen in ages. " (The Daily Telegraph ★★★★★)
"This is, in...
The King and his friends take an oath to dedicate themselves to a life of study and avoid the company of women for three years. No sooner have they made their idealistic pledge than the Princess of France and her ladies-in-waiting arrive, presenting the men with a severe test of their high-minded resolve.
"This is the most blissfully entertaining and emotionally involving RSC offering I’ve seen in ages. " (The Daily Telegraph ★★★★★)
"This is, in its entirety, an endeavour that sings: poignant, impassioned and gorgeous ... Brilliantly comic…extraordinarily powerful" (The Times ★★★★★)
"A marvel…immaculately co-ordinated." (The Daily Mail ★★★★★) "This imaginative pairing makes total sense. If love is thwarted in the first play, it is triumphantly fulfilled in the second." (The Guardian ★★★★) "Exquisite….Cherishable… Immaculate" (The Evening Standard ★★★★) "Quite simply, the best plays you'll see anywhere." (The Sunday Mirror) Edward Bennett, 1979- Leah Whittaker, fl. 2011 Sam Alexander, 1978-
