NEWS IN BRIEF
Thank you for your continued support of the Royal Shakespeare Company through your Membership. As you will see from this Newsletter we are busy creating theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon which we share with the world. We do hope you can join us for live theatre, cinema broadcast or online with Google in the near future. We are putting final touches to the Summer 2014 programme and your next Members’ Newsletter, in September, will give you full information of the productions and details of your Priority Booking Period. More details will follow in a couple of months and, in the meantime, we hope to see you in Stratford-upon-Avon soon.
GREGORY DORAN
RSC ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
RSC Full Members’ Ticket Hotline
As previously announced Gregory Doran directs David Tennant (Hamlet 2008) in the title role with Oliver Ford Davies (Hamlet 2008) as Duke of York and Michael Pennington (Timon of Athens 1999, Hamlet 1981) as John of Gaunt. Nigel Lindsay (Four Lions, Shrek The Musical, Broken Glass, Winner of the Best Supporting Actor Award, Whatsonstage Awards 2011, Awake And Sing) makes his RSC debut to play Bolingbroke.
0844 800 1115
book online or visit exclusive members’ pages at
www.rsc.org.uk/membership
Live broadcasts from Stratford-upon-Avon
THEATRE MATTERS Theatres are at the heart of our communities. When our Councillors are taking tough decisions about how to spend our taxes, they need to know how much we value our local theatre's work and role in the community. My Theatre Matters! is a campaign organised by Equity, the Stage newspaper and the Theatrical Management Association. For further details please visit www.mytheatrematters.com
CELEBRATING AMATEUR THEATRE
FULL MEMBER
MAY 2013
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE 10 OCTOBER – 16 NOVEMBER 2013
Thank you!
CELEBRATING AMATEUR THEATRE
MEMBERS’ NEWS Photograph: Jillian Edelstein
The RSC’s hugely successful Open Stages project engaging with amateur theatre makers is back. The RSC and its professional partner theatres are looking CELEBRATING AMATEUR THEATRE CELEBRATING AMATEUR THEATRE for 100 amateur companies across the UK to produce a Shakespeare or Shakespeare-themed production in their own venue, hired hall or outdoor site. This new phase of the project will focus on learning, with each RSC Open Stages amateur company receiving training, director mentoring, feedback and support from the RSC and its professional partner theatres. For more information and application information please visit www.rsc.org.uk/openstages
CASTING UPDATE: RICHARD II
Photograph: Jillian Edelstein
OPEN STAGES 2013-16
LIVE FROM STRATFORD-UPON-AVON RSC IN NYC MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAMING MADE IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
From this autumn we will broadcast selected works live from Stratfordupon-Avon to cinemas around the world and schools across the UK
The first live broadcast will be Richard II, streamed live from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on Wednesday 13 November. Going forward we hope to broadcast three productions a year, giving audiences across the UK and around the world the chance to experience live theatre from Shakespeare’s home town. Gregory Doran, RSC Artistic Director and Director of Richard II, said “We want to bring the work we make in Stratford-upon-Avon to the widest possible audience and taking our productions live into cinemas and direct into schools is the next logical step. I’m looking forward to working on these new broadcasts, which are part of our quest to celebrate our unique ‘one-room spaces’ in Stratford and capture the thrill of sitting in the audience and experiencing theatre live.” In addition to cinema screenings we are also offering the unique opportunity to schools across the UK to experience Richard II in the classroom on Friday 15 November 2013. A free specially edited version will be streamed direct into schools accompanied by a live introduction and post performance Q&A with members of the Company and Creative Team. To find your nearest cinema screening of Richard II, sign up to receive updates or find out more about the special schools screening visit onscreen.rsc.org.uk
R S C M e m b e rs ’ P r i o r i t y B o o k i n g Picturehouse Cinemas are offering RSC Members a discount and priority booking Picturehouse cinemas PICTUREHOUSE are the RSC’s worldwide for the screening of Richard II. Members must book in person or by phone at ENTERTAINMENT their local Picturehouse cinema and show a valid RSC Membership card when distribution partner collecting tickets. Find your nearest Picturehouse cinema at onscreen.rsc.org.uk
PRIORITY BOOKING
OPENS 3 JUNE
GENERAL BOOKING
OPENS 17 JUNE
TICKETS
£20
£15
PICTUREHOUSE & RSC MEMBERS
£13 CONCESSIONS
MADE IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
If you are visiting Stratford-upon-Avon this summer, you have the opportunity to see rarely displayed costumes and learn about costume making in our FREE exhibitions.
INTO THE WILD
Until 15 September
Take the lift to Level 2 for the PACCAR room
and David Tennant’s Hamlet (2008) are displayed alongside those worn by Peggy Ashcroft, Edith Evans and Derek Jacobi.
COSTUME CRAFT
Until 1 September
Take the stairs opposite the Swan Theatre Bar
Explore the journey of an RSC costume from first stitch to final performance. We continue a proud tradition of creating costume in Stratford-upon-Avon. Learn about some of the processes involved in making and maintaining period costume, wigs, armour and much more. Includes a dressing up area. Photograph: Gina Print
Into the Wild takes you on a journey through Shakespeare’s natural world and features costumes from our museum collection worn on our stages by some of the RSC’s best known actors. Costumes from Judi Dench’s The Comedy of Errors (1976), Antony Sher’s The Winter’s Tale (1999)
It has been a real pleasure researching and pulling together these exhibitions. Into the Wild shows how Designers and Costume Makers have responded to Shakespeare’s recurring theme of nature. It also brilliantly showcases the skill and dedication of our Costume Team. Many think that attention to detail doesn’t really matter for theatre costumes. But an RSC costume can be on stage for well over 100 performances, dragged across the floor, involved in battle, drenched in blood and cleaned after every performance - so they must be made to withstand the rigours of the stage. Costume Craft follows the journey of how costumes and wigs are made and maintained – including a chance to try on a costume or two. It is a real treat for all.
GERALDINE COLLINGE
RSC DIRECTOR OF EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
Judi Dench in The Comedy of Errors (1976)
Image: RSC Graphic Design
Originating in our workshops and seen in our Stratford theatres, we share our work with audiences across the UK and around the world
Photograph: Janie Airey
In Stitches – a celebration of RSC costume
Made in Stratford – seen around the world
E
veryone at the Royal Shakespeare Company, from actors to technicians, milliners to musicians, plays a part in creating the world you see on stage. The work, which begins its life at our Stratford-upon-Avon workshops and theatres, is shared with audiences through touring, residencies and online activity across the world. So, wherever you experience the RSC, you will experience work that is made in Shakespeare’s home town. In 2011/12 we held 1,082 performances of 26 productions in Stratford-upon-Avon, London and on UK tour, with an audience of 708,022. We work with 30,000 children, 1,300 schools and 2,500 teachers each year on our Open Access Education programme. Online we had 1.6 million unique website users (2011/12) and have 41,000 followers on Facebook and 88,000 on RSC Twitter. The RSC is the only theatre company with its own on-site Armoury, where we produce breastplates, gauntlets, belts and weaponry.
An average set of armour uses 53 sets of buckles and straps all individually made to spec, and 350 sets of rivets. Approximately half of the costumes we make are broken down to look worn. The common tools for this include a cheese grater, sandpaper, Stanley knife and blow-torch. Running Wardrobe maintains and cleans all costumes once a production has opened. Every item of clothing that touches the skin is washed immediately after each show, which often involves up to eight wash-loads every night. These must be dried, ironed and set into the appropriate dressing rooms before the next performance. Many costumes aren’t
washable so inner costumes or ‘shields’ are used which can be removed and washed. Fake blood is created from glucose, sugar and fruit colouring and used in daggers, blood bags or smearing. Black treacle is used to darken the blood. Prosthetic body parts are made from moulds created from dental alginate and plaster of Paris bandages. Costumes from previous productions go to the RSC’s Costume Store for hire to amateur groups, schools, TV and film companies. Our costumes have been seen across the years, from Braveheart and Shakespeare in Love to Merlin, Dr Who and Don’t Tell The Bride.
Made in Stratfordupon-Avon Appeal The RSC is a registered charity and we rely on your support through your membership subscription and regular contributions. To coincide with In Stitches, we are launching our Made in Stratfordupon-Avon Appeal, which this year aims to raise £1 million to support the crafts of our Designers and Costume Makers, and to ensure their techniques and skills continue here in Shakespeare’s home town. There are a number of ways you can get involved, from topping up your ticket purchase to buying one of our ‘Made In Stratford’ dishes in the Rooftop Restaurant. Later in the year you can also help create a crowd-funded costume installation for the RST foyer or “Support in Style” by sponsoring an article of clothing or an entire costume.
RSC MEMBER AND SUPPORTER BENEFITS
Rising 36 metres, the Theatre Tower offers stunning views over Shakespeare’s home town. Open daily from 10am, from the viewing platform you can see his Birthplace, New Place Gardens – the site of Shakespeare’s final home before his death – and Holy Trinity Church, where he was baptised and buried. You can also see the three surrounding counties and, on a particularly clear day, you can see to Wales. RSC Members and Supporters can visit the Tower for £1. £2.50 for non-Members, £1.25 for under 18s and £1 for people with disabilities. During UK school holidays up to four children can go free up the Tower with every full paying adult. Find out more and book online: www.rsc.org.uk/Tower
ROOFTOP RESTAURANT AND BAR On the third floor of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and with stunning views over the Bancroft Gardens and River Avon, the Rooftop Restaurant serves freshly prepared food cooked onsite by our team of in-house Chefs. Whether you are looking for lunch, afternoon tea, pre-theatre supper, Sunday roast or a celebratory feast, the Rooftop Restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere and uses locally sourced seasonal ingredients. You can hire the 120 seat restaurant for a private function or event. RSC Members and Supporters enjoy a 10% discount on all food and drink at the Rooftop Restaurant, Riverside Café and all the theatre bars. Discount is offered to the RSC Member or Supporter plus one guest and is valid
seven days a week.* To book your table, or talk to our staff about your forthcoming event please call 01789 403449
GUIDED THEATRE TOURS** Over the past two years we have expanded our range of guided tours, ensuring that at least one route is available every day. Join our experienced guides on a tour through the history of the Company. In addition they will divulge behind the scenes secrets such as how costumes are made and how effects are achieved. Find out more and book online: www.rsc.org.uk/TheatreTours * Associate Members’offer does not include the pre-theatre menu. ** Please note that due to technical limitations, tours may not always visit the auditoria or the backstage area.
Looking for a day out for your Group?
The RSC has opened its doors for weddings, civil partnerships, renewal of vows and naming ceremonies. Our licenced rooms include our auditoria, the top of our iconic Tower, the intimate Swan Reading Room and our larger neo-Gothic Ferguson Room with original stained glass. Whatever you decide, we have what it takes to give your special day a touch of theatrical magic.
Combine a bespoke guided tour with cream tea and a trip up the Tower. Call your Ticket Hotline for more details and to book. You can hire one of our unique spaces to host a meeting, conference or informal social gathering, or host your next team away day or hospitality event with us. Whether you are seeking new business or celebrating success we will help you achieve your aim. Purpose built for public performances, our spaces can also be hired for film and photographic shoots. The RSC has a diverse offering of locations - foyers, auditoria, rehearsal spaces, bars, cafe, restaurant, riverside views, terraces and much more. There are original Art Deco features from 1932, a wing of the building built in the 1800s and the tower viewing platform offering stunning views of the surrounding town and countryside.
Photograph: Lucy Barriball
THEATRE TOWER
Photograph: Peter Nadolski
Whether you are a new RSC Member or Supporter, or have been with us for many years, we hope to welcome you to our home in Stratford-upon-Avon in the near future. Don’t forget to bring your Membership card on every visit and make the most of your discounts and special offers
Photograph: David Woodings
Visit our home in Stratford-upon-Avon
Take Centre Stage at the RSC
For more information about weddings, conferences or filming please contact Lucy Robertson, Commercial Hires Manager: hires@rsc.org.uk
Special Offers We have arranged a number of discounts to enhance your visit to Stratford-upon-Avon. Please visit your Members or Supporters' Room (click on the link on the right side of the homepage and follow the instructions to log in), download the voucher and present it with a current RSC Membership card. Terms and conditions apply. SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST 2-for-1 entry to the houses and gardens ARDEN HOTEL 10% off the best available rate NATIONAL TRUST: UPTON HOUSE AND GARDENS 2-for-1 entry WARWICK CASTLE 2-for-1 entry THE MAD (MECHANICAL ART & DESIGN) MUSEUM 25% off entry NATIONAL TRUST: COUGHTON COURT 2 for 1 entry to the house Terms and conditions apply – see individual vouchers for details.
RSC IN NYC Photograph: Ellie Kurttz
Gregory Doran and Catherine Mallyon at the Broadway opening
'THE BLOOD RUNS WARM IN THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S VIBRANT PRODUCTION OF JULIUS CAESAR ' THE NEW YORK TIMES
Julius Caesar Following performances in Stratford-upon-Avon, a UK tour, West End transfer and Russian residency, Gregory Doran's production of Julius Caesar opened at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on 12 April to critical acclaim, then transferred to the Southern Theatre, Columbus, Ohio, playing From 1-5 May
'ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, A SHOW COMES OUT BLAZING AND RESTORES YOUR FAITH IN BROADWAY. A TREAT FOR EARS AND EYES, BRAIN AND HEART, THE GLORIOUS MATILDA HAS IT ALL' THE NEW YORK POST
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
'THE MAKERS OF MATILDA HAVE DONE THE IMPOSSIBLE – TRIUMPHANTLY. SMART, ZANY AND STUPENDOUS FUN'
WALL STREET JOURNAL
To see all the broadway reviews please visit us.matildathe musical.com/reviews
Matilda The Musical On 11 April the New York production of Matilda The Musical, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Dodgers, opened at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway. It has been described by the New York Times as 'THE MOST SATISFYING AND SUBVERSIVE MUSICAL EVER TO COME OUT OF BRITAIN...EVEN MORE GLORIOUS THAN WE WERE PROMISED... TRULY REVOLUTIONARY' Having swept the board at last year's Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking seven awards, the show is receiving a raft of nominations during the awards season in New York; 12 nominations for the Tony awards including Best Musical, seven for the Drama Desk awards, five from the Outer Critics Circle and two from the Drama League.
Matilda The Musical was commissioned by the RSC and played to sold-out audiences at the RSC's The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from November 2010 to January 2011. It transferred to London's Cambridge Theatre in October 2011 where it continues to play to packed houses and is currently taking bookings until May 2014 at matildathemusical.com
'THUNDEROUS IN ITS POWER AND ATMOSPHERIC EFFECTS AND FIERY IN ITS EMOTIONS' THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Photographs: Kwame Lestrade
'FAR AND AWAY THE BEST NEW MUSICAL OF THE BROADWAY SEASON'
This production of Julius Caesar has travelled 13,029 miles on its round trip. Jeffery Kissoon, who played Caesar, got stabbed a total of 12 times per performance - a total of 2,004 times during the life of the show. Over the course of the show we used 27 litres of blood to make up 1,670 blood bags which generated 1,336 loads of washing. There were 167 performances in total, which is 24,382 minutes of playing time or just under 17 days.
The Royal Shakespeare Company in America is presented in collaboration with The Ohio State University
TITUS ANDRONICUS IN REHEARSAL
Photographs: Simon Annand
SWAN THEATRE Until 26 October
Katy Stephens plays Tamora, queen of the Goths
Stephen Boxer plays Titus Andronicus with Rose Reynolds as Lavinia
As your Newsletter went to print, Titus Andronicus was starting preview performances in the Swan Theatre. Believed to be Shakespeare's earliest tragedy, Titus Andronicus is famed for its violent content and in this production over 133 pints of blood will be used during the 76 performances. The RSC Ensemble is generously supported by THE GATSBY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION and THE KOVNER FOUNDATION
www.rsc.org.uk/titus
Midsummer Night's Dreaming #Dream40
Image: RSC Graphic Design
ONLINE AND IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Experience Shakespeare's magical comedy through the eyes of the internet over one unmissable midsummer weekend From 21 - 23 June, we will be working in partnership with Google's Creative Lab to create a new interpretation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, in real time across the weekend. Follow the action online, come to Stratfordupon-Avon for live events or be part of the play by joining the Midsummer Night's Dreaming Community on Google+.
What is it?
Midsummer Night’s Dreaming is the RSC’s 40th interpretation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a tale of love, fairies and mischief. As the story unfolds in Stratford-upon-Avon, observers and people close to the action will be reporting their take on events for you online. Hear from Bottom’s nemesis The Evil Weaver, fairies Mustardseed and Moth and a wealth of other characters connected to Shakespeare’s main protagonists. Alongside this we want to hear your
view of proceedings, use #Dream40 on Google+ to get involved, create and share. After the weekend is over and normality resumes, the whole play will be available to listen to online, alongside the best creations, thoughts and opinions from the online community.
How can I join in?
Join us on Google+ to be the first to hear updates as the story happens at www.google.com/+royalshakespearecompany
Live events in Stratford-upon-Avon
Help us to create the wedding of the year on Sunday 23 June. Head to The Dell from 12 noon where preparations will begin - create decorations, write vows and rediscover your disco dance moves plus enjoy live music throughout the afternoon. At 4pm, you are invited to join us as wedding guests to enjoy the final scenes of Midsummer Night’s Dreaming. Directed by Gregory Doran the company includes Joe Dixon, who will be reprising the role of Bottom. All events are FREE, just turn up and enjoy the party!
What is Google+?
Google+ is Google’s very own social network. Add friends, family and organisations to your Circles, share your news with the people who matter and make recommendations using the +1 button. Incorporated in Google+ is Google Hangouts, a new way to communicate in real time across the world.
Joe Dixon as Bottom, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Visit google.com/+/learnmore to find out more.
www.rsc.org.uk/dreaming 'Google loves thinking big and we wanted to reimagine A Midsummer Night's Dream for a digital age. Adding a little of our digital fairy dust to the magic of the RSC, the idea is to take the play from theatre into the real world, online and off, allowing people who can't visit Stratford-upon-Avon to experience and interact with the play via Google+' TOM UGLOW
DIRECTOR OF GOOGLE'S CREATIVE LAB
SWAN THEATRE, FROM 6 JUNE
SEAN FOLEY ON A MAD WORLD MY MASTERS
A Mad World My Masters Photograph: Hugo Glendinning
Photograph: Manuel Harlan
'The play was written in 1608 and I think it’s the filthiest comedy ever written. It’s like Joe Orton has got together with a 1970s saucy comedy writer and created a very, very funny and filthy play. The evening is going to be very much about laughing out loud. When thinking of the setting of the piece, I tried to find a time that we could set the play in that the audience would feel contact with and could relate to. The play is concerned with the status of women, women’s sexuality and how threatening that can be. It’s also set in a time of economic upheaval, when there’s just been a war and touches on the upper classes falling from their pedestal. This led me to the 1950s. The 1950s was an incredibly stylish time and the play reflects that with brilliant costumes and some fantastic music, including a 1950s jive'
SEAN FOLEY
DIRECTOR
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE UNTIL 28 SEPTEMBER
HHHH INDEPENDENT
will
Jonathan Slinger is an exciting, unpredictable actor whose Hamlet is long overdue SUNDAY TIMES
Pippa Nixon's Ophelia is OUTSTANDING GUARDIAN
The RSC Ensemble is generously supported by THE GATSBY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION and THE KOVNER FOUNDATION
Photograph: Keith Pattison
Photographs: Keith Pattison
Costume and Set designer Alice Power's sketches show what was de rigeur in 1950s Soho
iam shakespeare
HHHH
Pippa Nixon and Alex Waldmann are absolutely glorious INDEPENDENT
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE UNTIL 28 SEPTEMBER
HHHHH Evening Standard
A joyous, BIG-HEARTED affair ‑GUARDIAN
TEACHING SHAKESPEARE: ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
TELL A TEACHER Photograph: Ellie Kurttz
tell a teacher about how the RSC can help bring Shakespeare to life
Online Professional Development
You can now book for the full range of 2013/14 RSC Education opportunities, from professional development for teachers to workshops and events for students
A ground-breaking online learning platform developed by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the University of Warwick
E xplore Shakespeare the way actors and directors do I nspire and engage your students with rehearsal room approaches
Inspired by RSC actors and directors in rehearsal, this resource helps teachers develop key skills to improve students’ understanding of, and engagement with, Shakespeare’s plays. We know that young people get the most out of Shakespeare's plays when they approach them in the way that RSC actors do; on their feet, actively exploring the text and unlocking its meaning. Teaching Shakespeare: Online Professional Development is available as an annual school site licence* that gives teachers access to a tried and tested rehearsal room approach to Shakespeare’s plays. The platform provides unique insights into the artistic and teaching practices of the RSC, commentaries from leading Shakespeare scholars and practitioners from the University of Warwick, and with reflections from practising teachers. An annual school site licence* costs £320.83 (+VAT) and gives all teachers in the school access to: Over 100 specially created films providing effective ideas and support for teaching Shakespeare in the classroom
Live streaming of I, Cinna: The Poet at Phoenix School, 2012
Richard II broadcast to schools The RSC collaborates once again with Ravensbourne College and the JANET network to stream a broadcast of Richard II free into classrooms across the UK
Find out more at www.rsc.org.uk/education
Teaching Shakespeare:
S tudents all over the country will have the opportunity to see Richard II, one of the most eagerly anticipated theatrical events of the year on Friday 15 November 2013. A range of supporting resources for teachers will be available leading up to the broadcast, which will be followed by a live,
interactive Q&A session with members of the Acting Company and Creative Teams. The production will be streamed in HD (high definition), with teachers able to access content via their computer or a tablet device and play it to their class via a Whiteboard. To find out more about this exciting
project and to ensure you can be part of it, visit onscreen.rsc.org.uk, sign up for email updates and tick the box ‘I am interested in finding out more about broadcasts to schools’. This special webcast will also herald the start of a major new education initiative. Further details in your next Newsletter.
I nsights from leading practitioners and academics to help put knowledge in context 2 1 podcasts designed to help teachers introduce all the topics A n online journal for each user to record their progress Try the taster site at www.teachingshakespeare.ac.uk/taster or buy online at www.teachingshakespeare.ac.uk
* An annual school licence allows an unlimited number of users within your school access to the Teaching Shakespeare platform. Shakespeare
Presented in association with
SPECIAL OFFER Up to 15 months for the price of 12 BUY NOW AND GET THE SUMMER TO PLAN YOUR LESSONS FOR NEXT YEAR. BUY YOUR ANNUAL SCHOOL SITE LICENCE BEFORE 31 JULY 2013 AND GET ACCESS TO TEACHING SHAKESPEARE UNTIL 31 AUGUST 2014 – GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRE-PLAN YOUR LESSONS FOR THE SEPTEMBER TERM.** ** Terms and conditions: This offer is subject to availability and does not apply to Teaching Shakespeare site licences which have already been purchased. For the extra 2 months free, Teaching Shakespeare site licences must be purchased by 31 July 2013, resources will be made available no earlier than 1 June 2013 with an expiry date of 31 August 2014.