PREVIEW
THE NEWSLETTER FOR RSC MEMBERS
RSC MEMBERS’ TICKET HOTLINE 01789 331125
MAY 2019
BOOK ONLINE OR VISIT EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS’ PAGES AT RSC.ORG.UK/MEMBERSHIP
Priority Booking for London 2019/20 Season MEMBERS’ PRIORITY BOOKING OPENS MONDAY 20 MAY SUBSCRIBERS’ PRIORITY BOOKING OPENS THURSDAY 23 MAY PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS WEDNESDAY 29 MAY
2 | PREVIEW MAY 2019 | LONDON SEASON 2019/20
LONDON SEASON 2019/20 | PREVIEW MAY 2019 | 3
London Season 2019/20
Saturday 26 October - Saturday 18 January 2020 As You Like It WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
The Taming of the Shrew WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Measure for Measure WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE OCTOBER Sat 26
DECEMBER 7.15
Sun 27
Director Kimberley Sykes Set Designer Stephen Brimson Lewis Costume & Lighting Designer Bretta Gerecke Music Tim Sutton Sound Jonathan Ruddick Movement Ayse Tashkiran Fights Rachel Bown-Williams Ruth Cooper-Brown Puppetry Director & Co-Designer Mervyn Millar
The ultimate battle of the sexes is turned on its head in Justin Audibert’s The Taming of the Shrew as the 1590s are reimagined – with women in charge. In this radical take on Shakespeare's fierce and energetic comedy of gender, Baptista Minola is seeking to marry off her two sons, the sweet-tempered Bianco and the rebellious Katherine. Cue an explosive courtship and a keenly witty portrayal of hierarchy and power. Director Justin Audibert Set Designer Stephen Brimson Lewis Costume Designer Hannah Clark Lighting Matt Peel Music Ruth Chan Sound Claire Windsor Movement Lucy Cullingford Fights Rachel Bown-Williams Ruth Cooper-Brown
When a young novice nun is compromised by a corrupt official who offers to save her brother from execution in return for sex, she has no idea where to turn for help. When she threatens to expose him, he tells her that no one would believe her. RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran (The Tempest; Imperium I: Conspirator and Imperium II: Dictator) directs this new production of Measure for Measure, which was written in the early 1600s but feels even more urgent today.. Director Gregory Doran Designer Stephen Brimson Lewis Lighting Simon Spencer Music Paul Englishby Sound Steven Atkinson Movement Lucy Cullingford Fights Rachel Bown-Williams Ruth Cooper-Brown rsc.org.uk/london
Sun 1
no performance
Mon 2
JANUARY 2020 no performance
Wed 1
7.15
SHREW
Thu 2
no performance 1.15
SHREW
7.15
SHREW
Mon 28
7.15
AS YOU
Tue 3
7.15
SHREW
Tue 29
7.00
AS YOU P
Wed 4
7.15
SHREW
Fri 3
7.15
MEASURE
Wed 30
7.15
AS YOU
Thu 5
1.15
AS YOU i
Sat 4
1.15
AS YOU
Thu 31
1.15
AS YOU
7.15
AS YOU
7.15
AS YOU
7.15
AS YOU
Fri 6
7.15
AS YOU
Sun 5
Sat 7
1.15
MEASURE
Mon 6
7.15
AS YOU
7.15
MEASURE
Tue 7
7.15
Wed 8
1.15
AS YOU MEASURE
7.15
MEASURE
1.15
MEASURE
7.15
SHREW
NOVEMBER
no performance
Fri 1
7.15
AS YOU
Sat 2
1.15
AS YOU
Sun 8
no performance
7.15
AS YOU
Mon 9
no performance
Sun 3
no performance
Tue 10
7.15
AS YOU
Mon 4
no performance
Wed 11
7.15
SHREW
Thu 12
1.15
SHREW
Fri 10
7.15
SHREW
7.15
SHREW
Sat 11
1.15
MEASURE
7.15
MEASURE
Thu 9
Tue 5
7.15
SHREW F
Wed 6
7.15
SHREW
Thu 7
7.00
SHREW P
Fri 13
7.15
MEASURE
Fri 8
7.15
SHREW
Sat 14
1.15
MEASURE n l
Sun 12
Sat 9
1.15
SHREW
7.15
MEASURE
Mon 13
7.15
SHREW no performance
Mon 16
Mon 11
no performance
Tue 17
no performance 7.15
MEASURE
no performance
Tue 14
7.15
7.15
SHREW
Wed 15
1.15
MEASURE AS YOU
7.15
SHREW n l
7.15
AS YOU
1.15
AS YOU
7.15
MEASURE L
Sun 15
Sun 10
Thu 16
Tue 12
7.15
MEASURE F
Wed 18
7.15
SHREW
Wed 13
7.15
MEASURE
Thu 19
1.15
AS YOU
Thu 14
7.00
MEASURE P
7.15
AS YOU
Fri 17
7.15
SHREW
Fri 15
7.15
MEASURE
Fri 20
7.15
MEASURE
Sat 18
1.15
SHREW L
Sat 16
1.15
MEASURE
Sat 21
1.15
MEASURE
7.15
AS YOU L
7.15
MEASURE
7.15
SHREW
Sun 17
All the world really is a stage in Kimberley Sykes’ playful and imaginative take on Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. Rosalind is banished, and with her best friend Celia by her side, she journeys to a world of exile. But not before catching the eye of love-struck Orlando, who is also forced from the Court into the Forest… Blending physical comedy, music and storytelling, this As You Like It dares you to change your state of mind.
AS YOU F
no performance
Sun 22 Mon 23
no performance
Mon 18
7.15
MEASURE
Tue 19
7.15
MEASURE
Wed 20
7.15
SHREW
Tue 24
no performance
Thu 21
1.15
SHREW
Wed 25
no performance
7.15
SHREW
Thu 26
no performance
Fri 22
7.15
AS YOU
Fri 27
7.15
AS YOU
Sat 23
1.15
AS YOU
Sat 28
1.15
AS YOU n l
7.15
AS YOU
7.15
MEASURE
Sun 24
no performance
Sun 29
Mon 25
no performance
Mon 30
Tue 26
7.15
AS YOU
Wed 27
7.15
MEASURE
Thu 28
1.15
MEASURE
7.15
MEASURE
Fri 29
7.15
MEASURE
Sat 30
1.15
SHREW
7.15
SHREW
KEY F P L
= First Performance = Press Night = Last Performance = Pre- or Post-Show event
Assisted Performances n = Audio Described Performance + Free Touch Tour l = Captioned Performance = Performance with Integrated BSL Interpreter i = Chilled Performance
Tue 31
1.15
SHREW
7.15
AS YOU
no performance 1.15
MEASURE
7.15
SHREW
1.15
SHREW
TICKETS MONDAY TO FRIDAY £57.50 – £47.50 – £37.50 – £27.50 – £10 A limited number of premium seats priced at £75 are also available. SATURDAY £59.50 – £47.50 – £37.50 – £27.50 – £10 A limited number of premium seats priced at £75 are also available.
LONDON SEASON TICKET MULTI BUY OFFER FOR RSC MEMBERS, SUBSCRIBERS AND PATRONS £30 off total price when you buy tickets for all three productions at the same time. Valid on all performances and only available on Premium and A priced tickets. Offer available online, via your Ticket Hotline and in person at the RSC Box Office during Members’ and Subscribers’ Priority Booking. Prices are guaranteed throughout the Members’ Priority Booking period. Once Public Booking opens, prices may vary by performance. Discounts are available for 16–25 year olds, school and college groups, adult groups of 10+, families, over 60s and disabled people. Please contact your Ticket Hotline for information. During Priority Booking please book via your Ticket Hotline or online at rsc.org.uk/london From Wednesday 29 May booking is via the Barbican Box Office where there is a £3 booking fee per online transaction, £4 by phone, but no fee when tickets are bought in person. barbican.org.uk
4 | PREVIEW MAY 2019 | NATIONAL TOUR 2019/20
NATIONAL TOUR 2019/20 | PREVIEW MAY 2019 | 5
Erica Whyman RSC Deputy Artistic Director
KEY = Pre- or Post-Show event Assisted Performances n = Audio Described Performance + Free Touch Tour l = Captioned Performance = Performance with Integrated BSL Interpreter AS YOU = As You Like It SHREW = The Taming of the Shrew MEASURE = Measure for Measure
The Taming of the Shrew
Measure for Measure
Photo by Paul Stuart
“We want as many people as possible to see our work, and we really believe Shakespeare should be for everyone, so taking plays around our nation is an essential part of what we do. I’m delighted that this new tour will give audiences the chance to see not just one production, but our wonderful company of actors in three very different plays, ensuring we are a truly national theatre company.”
Photo by Ikin Yum
For the first time, we will tour three productions in repertoire to theatres around England, playing for two weeks in each venue. The productions play in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon this summer before heading out on tour and transferring to London.
Photo by Topher McGrillis
National Tour 2019/20
NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL
NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL
GRAND THEATRE BLACKPOOL
As You Like It WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
BARBICAN THEATRE, LONDON
Saturday 26 October 2019 – Saturday 18 January 2020 See pages 2 – 3
THE LOWRY, SALFORD Wednesday 25 September – Saturday 5 October 2019 SEPTEMBER Wed 25
THE MARLOWE, CANTERBURY Wednesday 29 January – Saturday 8 February 2020 JANUARY
7.30
Thu 26
THEATRE ROYAL, PLYMOUTH Wednesday 12 – Saturday 22 February 2020 FEBRUARY
Wednesday 26 February – Saturday 7 March 2020 FEBRUARY
Wednesday 11 – Saturday 21 March 2020 MARCH
Wednesday 25 March – Saturday 4 April 2020 MARCH
AS YOU
Wed 29
7.30
MEASURE
Wed 12
7.30
MEASURE
Wed 26
7.30
MEASURE
Wed 11
7.30
MEASURE
Wed 25
7.30
MEASURE
no performance
Thu 30
7.30
AS YOU
Thu 13
7.30
AS YOU
Thu 27
7.30
AS YOU
Thu 12
7.30
AS YOU
Thu 26
1.30
MEASURE nl
7.30
AS YOU
Fri 14
7.30
Fri 28
7.30
7.30
MEASURE
Sat 29
1.30
Sat 14
1.30
AS YOU AS YOU nl
7.30
1.30
AS YOU AS YOU nl
Fri 13
Sat 15
AS YOU AS YOU n
Fri 27
7.30
MEASURE
7.30
MEASURE
7.30
MEASURE
Sat 28
Sun 15
no performance
Sun 29
no performance
Mon 30
7.30
AS YOU nl
7.30
AS YOU
1.30
AS YOU
7.30
AS YOU
Fri 27
7.30
SHREW
Fri 31
Sat 28
1.30
SHREW nl
FEBRUARY
7.30
AS YOU
Sat 1
Sun 29
no performance
Mon 30
no performance
OCTOBER
1.30
AS YOU n
7.30
MEASURE
Sun 16
Sun 2
no performance
Mon 17
Mon 3
no performance
no performance
MARCH
no performance
Sun 1
no performance
Mon 16
Tue 18
7.30
SHREW n
Mon 2
no performance
Tue 17
7.30
SHREW
Tue 31
no performance 7.30
AS YOU no performance
Tue 1
7.30
MEASURE
Tue 4
7.30
SHREW n
Wed 19
7.30
SHREW l
Tue 3
7.30
SHREW
Wed 18
7.30
SHREW n
APRIL
Wed 2
7.30
AS YOU nl
Wed 5
7.30
SHREW l
Thu 20
1.30
SHREW
Wed 4
7.30
SHREW n
Thu 19
1.30
SHREW l
Wed 1
Thu 3
1.30
AS YOU
Thu 6
1.30
SHREW
7.30
AS YOU l
Thu 5
1.30
SHREW l
7.30
AS YOU
7.30
SHREW
7.30
AS YOU l
Fri 21
7.30
MEASURE l
7.30
AS YOU
Fri 20
7.30
MEASURE
Thu 2
Fri 4
7.30
MEASURE
Fri 7
7.30
MEASURE l
Sat 22
1.30
MEASURE n
Fri 6
7.30
MEASURE
Sat 21
1.30
MEASURE nl
Fri 3
7.30
SHREW
Sat 5
1.30
MEASURE nl
Sat 8
1.30
MEASURE n
7.30
SHREW
Sat 7
1.30
MEASURE nl
7.30
SHREW
Sat 4
1.30
SHREW nl
7.30
AS YOU
7.30
SHREW
7.30
SHREW
7.30
SHREW
Box Office: 0843 208 6000 thelowry.com
Box Office: 01227 787787 marlowetheatre.com
Box Office 01752 267222 theatreroyal.com
The national tour was announced to Members by email in February. Ensure you don’t miss out on the latest news updates by signing up to receive emails at rsc.org.uk/my-rsc/contact-preferences
Box Office: 0115 989 5555 trch.co.uk
For Creative Teams please see page 2
Box Office: 08448 112121 theatreroyal.co.uk
no performance
Box Office: 01253 290190 blackpoolgrand.co.uk
6 | PREVIEW MAY 2019 | MEMBERS' RESEARCH
MEMBERS' RESEARCH | PREVIEW MAY 2019 | 7
Members’ research
Nearly one thousand Members completed the recent survey to tell us what you think about our scheme. Many thanks to everyone who gave us feedback.
93
%
93
%
You joined the scheme for: PRIORITY BOOKING (89%) • “I’m a member to get early access to booking theatre tickets”
• “I think it is important to support the RSC, and the extra booking period is essential” • “I get the tickets I want at the time and price that I want” • “Useful to be able to book in advance of the general public”
SUPPORTING THE RSC’S WORK (63%) • “I believe in supporting the best live productions of Shakespeare for future generations” • “I find membership very useful and also like to feel I am supporting the work of the RSC” ADVANCE INFORMATION (56%) • “If you are interested in attending RSC shows, this is the best way of keeping in touch” • “Keeps me in touch with RSC news as well as productions”
75
AGREE THAT THE BENEFITS OFFERED ARE RELEVANT, ALTHOUGH THE AWARENESS AND USE OF SOME DISCOUNTS IS RELATIVELY LOW.
Show your Membership card in our theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon to enjoy:
AGREE THAT JOINING RSC MEMBERSHIP IS A GOOD WAY TO SUPPORT THE ARTS
The RSC is a registered charity and your support helps create theatre at its best, and unlocks the transformative power of Shakespeare and live theatre for audiences around the world. Your support delivers life-changing education programmes that inspire over 500,000 young people every year and helps nurture and develop actors, writers and a new generation of theatre-makers.
OF MEMBERS RATE THE SCHEME POSITIVELY
84
%
10% discount on food and drink at the RSC Rooftop Restaurant, Riverside Cafe, Swan Theatre Cafe and Susie’s Cafe Bar at The Other Place. Whether you’re popping in for a coffee, having a pre-theatre meal, ordering your interval drinks or indulging in a Champagne afternoon tea, don’t forget to show your RSC Membership card to claim your discount.
Many of you said you have recommended the scheme to friends and family. Thank you. In addition to our membership schemes, your friends may be interested to hear about:
First Time Fridays
For people who have never booked for shows in Stratford-upon-Avon or London Barbican. A maximum of two tickets per person at £10 each are available every Friday throughout the year, and can be booked in advance rsc.org.uk/first-time-fridays
Rush Tickets
We release a limited number of tickets from £10 each Friday at midday for selected performances in Stratford-upon-Avon the following week. Allocated on a first come, first served basis and only available online. Maximum of two Rush tickets per person per week. Not available on Premium seats. rsc.org.uk/rush-tickets Rush tickets is supported by West Midlands Railway.
BP £5 tickets for 16-25 year olds
%
10% discount at RSC Shop – whether you are shopping in person in Stratford-upon-Avon or via our online shop, your Membership is a great way to support the Company while treating yourself, your friends and family. Excludes programmes and items previously reduced or on special offer.
AGREE THAT MEMBERSHIP IS GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY
“Good value for money, early access to tickets”
Anyone aged 16-25 can join the RSC Key for free and access BP £5 tickets for RSC shows in Stratford-upon-Avon and London. rsc.org.uk/rsc-key
School Tickets
84
%
80
%
RATE PREVIEW, THE NEWSLETTER FOR RSC MEMBERS, AS GOOD, VERY GOOD OR EXCELLENT, WITH REQUESTS FOR MORE INSIGHT INTO WORK BACKSTAGE AND THE ACTING COMPANY.
We will review our future editorial plans and share more details of our theatre-making process.
RATE THE MEMBERS' MONTHLY ENEWS POSITIVELY
If you are not currently receiving emails from the RSC, visit rsc.org.uk/my-rsc/ contact-preferences and update your email contact preferences. We send an exclusive Members’ email roughly once a month featuring productions, casting news, ticket offers and discounts with our local partners.
UK Schools can join as Subscribers for £20 per year and buy tickets for ten or more students, Monday to Thursday performances in Stratford-upon-Avon for £12.50 per ticket. No ticket exchange or resale fees (£2 per ticket for non-Members) for tickets returned at least 72 hours in advance of the performance for either seats at the same price, or a Gift Voucher for future RSC productions sold via the Stratford-upon-Avon Box Office. Terms and conditions for RSC productions outside Stratford-upon-Avon may vary.
NEWS
Thank you for your feedback on possible new concepts to develop the Membership scheme. We will investigate these new ideas in the coming months.
Schools' Broadcasts
Our free Schools’ Broadcasts bring shows from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre into classrooms around the country. Each of our free Schools’ Broadcasts takes place at a set time and date, with schools logging in to a special website. We also have a British Sign Language interpreted version of the broadcasts to make sure they are accessible to D/deaf, deafened and hard of hearing students. rsc.org.uk/education/schools-broadcasts In addition to PREVEW and the Members’ emails, for daily updates follow us on social media: @theRSC
8 | PREVIEW MAY 2019 |
| PREVIEW MAY 2019 |9
As You Like It
The Taming of the Shrew
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Stratford-upon-Avon, London and National Tour Broadcast Live to cinemas 17 April
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
For full cast lists please see rsc.org.uk For Creative Teams please see page 2
All The Taming of the Shrew photos by Ikin Yum
All As You Like IT photos by Topher McGrillis
Stratford-upon-Avon, London and National Tour Broadcast Live to cinemas 5 June
Live From Stratford-upon-Avon is generously supported by SIDNEY E. FRANK FOUNDATION
10 | PREVIEW MAY 2019 | CROOKED DANCES
| PREVIEW MAY 2019 | 11
Crooked Dances ROBIN FRENCH
I M AG E BY R S C V I S UA L C O M M U N I C AT I O N S . O R I G I N A L A R T WO R K : U N I V E R S I T Y O F H O U S TO N L I B R A R I ES & S G O R O N W Y T U D O R J O N ES, U N I V E R S I T Y O F B I R M I N G H A M / S C I E N C E P H OTO L I B R A RY
20 June – 13 July | The Other Place
The work of the RSC Literary Department is generously supported by THE DRUE AND H.J. HEINZ II CHARITABLE TRUST. The role of Assistant Director in Crooked Dances is supported by THE NINA AND ROGER STEWART CHARITABLE TRUST. Crooked Dances is supported by THE JOHN S COHEN FOUNDATION.
“YOU’VE HEARD OF MAGIC HOUR RIGHT? WE’RE IN IT. RIGHT NOW.” Journalist Katy is desperate for her big break, and an interview in Paris with world famous concert pianist Silvia de Zingaro looks like just her chance. But the odds are against her. After a disastrous interview, Katy feels certain there's a bigger story there than meets the eye. She hunts for clues, finding Silvia has a collection of mystical books and an apparent fixation with composer Erik Satie. Just as Katy's hope begins to fade, a mysterious night-time encounter with the pianist may well give her the scoop she's looking for… This compelling new play by Robin French (BBC’s Cuckoo, Bear Hug at the Royal Court), examines music, time and attention in our modern digital age. Director Elizabeth Freestone Designer Basia Bińkowska Lighting Lauren Williams Music and Sound Max Pappenheim Dramaturg Pippa Hill JUNE Thu 20 Fri 21 Sat 22 Sun 23 Mon 24 Tue 25 Wed 26 Thu 27 Fri 28 Sat 29 Sun 30 JULY Mon 1 Tue 2 Wed 3 Thu 4 Fri 5 Sat 6
7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.00 1.30 7.30 7.30 1.30 7.30
7.30 7.30 7.30 1.30 7.30 7.30 1.30 5.00 7.30
CROOKED DANCES F CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES no performance CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES P CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES no performance CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES CROOKED DANCES l BEWARE THE CAT CROOKED DANCES
Sun 7 Mon 8 Tue 9 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri 12 Sat 13
7.30 7.30 7.30 1.30 7.30 7.30 1.30 7.30
no performance CROOKED DANCES CROOKED CROOKED CROOKED CROOKED CROOKED CROOKED CROOKED
DANCES DANCES DANCES DANCES DANCES DANCES n DANCES L
KEY F P L
= First Performance = Press Night = Last Performance = Pre- or Post-Show event
Assisted Performances n = Audio Described Performance + Free Touch Tour l = Captioned Performance = Performance with Integrated BSL Interpreter
The Midsummer Revel
Saturday 22 June, midday to midnight – Free On the weekend of the summer solstice, when the veil between our world and the other world is at its thinnest, discover what happens when you step off the beaten track and into a timeless realm of music and magic.
Creative Team Talk
Beware the Cat Saturday 6 July, 5pm Very limited availability. Call your Ticket Hotline for returns.
WHAT WOULD ANIMALS SAY ABOUT THE WORLD IF THEY COULD TALK? This funny, satirical one-hour performance emerges from a collaborative process between artists and academics responding to the first ever English novel by William Baldwin. A tall tale of magical attempts to understand the language of cats, with unique artworks representing the cat-world by artist Penny McCarthy.
Tuesday 25 June, 5.15pm – £5 This pre-show, onstage event offers a chance to hear the Creative Team in conversation, revealing some of the decisions that have influenced the production. From rehearsal room processes and design choices, to characterisation and relationships this is a fascinating insight into the creative process.
Live at the RSC: Stand Up Comedy
Post Show Talk
A series of one-night comedy gigs in association with Underbelly
Tuesday 9 July (BSL interpreted) – Free Stay on after the performance for a discussion with members of the acting company. Find out more about the show you’ve just seen and ask the actors your questions. The Post Show Talk is open to ticket holders for that day’s performance and entry is free. The talk begins a few minutes after the performance ends, and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
These shows were announced to Members by email in March. Ensure you don’t miss out on the latest news updates by signing up to receive emails at rsc.org.uk/my-rsc/contact-preferences
Stratford-upon-Avon Thursday 12 – Saturday 21 September
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre will host a series of comedy gigs this September. Full details of performance times, visiting comedians and ticket prices will be announced by email this summer. Ensure you don’t miss out on the latest news updates by signing up to receive emails at rsc.org.uk/my-rsc/contact-preferences.
12 | PREVIEW MAY 2019 | SWAN THEATRE CASTING UPDATE
Isabel Adomakoh Young
Pete Ashmore
Les Dennis
Natalie Dew
Polly Edsell
Meet the Directors
Swan Theatre casting update
Stephen Fewell
Alexandra Gilbreath
Kevin N Golding
Michael Grady-Hall
Alison Halstead
John Hodgkinson
Rufus Hound
Nickcolia King-N’da
Jodie Mcnee
Steve Nicolson
Carl Prekopp
Caroline Quentin
Ben Roddy
Jonathan Slinger
Rosalind Steele
When you look at trees in a forest, they’re extraordinary. Through the network of roots all the trees are connected. If one tree is struggling, other trees will send nutrients through the root system to try and save it, regardless of species. The success of the forest depends on the success of every single tree. I took that as a metaphor for society and what Shakespeare is asking the audience to think about, especially now in a time of increased borders and a rise of nationalism. This play was written at a time when society was becoming more diverse, and the play itself is about celebrating and embracing difference. I think sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself. Shakespeare is asking us to break down some of our barriers and to think outside of the boxes that society has put us in. To be able to change the world we must first change ourselves.
Photo by Paul Stuart
Toby Webster
VENICE PRESERVED
2 MAY – 7 SEPTEMBER
24 MAY – 7 SEPTEMBER
JOHN VANBRUGH
Gender Swapping Shakespeare On Stage
Director Justin Audibert talks about his version of The Taming of the Shrew, set in a matriarchal world where women hold all the power. At the moment there is an important conversation about gender and power and where that lies, and whenever you make a play you’re influenced by what’s going on around you. I’m interested in seeing what happens when you get female actors to play traditionally powerful male roles, and vice versa. There have been many times when I’ve sat in a rehearsal room and the weight of the room has been so male in its nature. I wanted to see what it would feel like when you flip that on its head, where the male voice is not the dominant one. I know that as the director, and a man that I wield considerable power in that role, but still the weight of the [Shrew rehearsal] room felt different, in a brilliant and creative way. The late, great and much missed Cicely Berry from the RSC Voice Department has always been my guiding light. She said you have to make the play talk to now – and that’s what we are trying to do with this production. For the full interview please visit rsc.org.uk/the-taming-of-the-shrew
THE PROVOKED WIFE
THOMAS OTWAY
Director Prasanna Puwanarajah Designer James Cotterill Lighting Jack Knowles Sound George Dennis Movement Polly Bennett Fights Kate Waters Video Nina Dunn
The Provoked Wife is supported by RSC Production Circle member Lord Carrington DL The RSC Acting Companies are generously supported by THE GATSBY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION and THE KOVNER FOUNDATION
Photo by Topher McGrillis
For Venice Preserved we welcome back Michael Grady-Hall (Imperium I & II, Oppenheimer), John Hodgkinson (Twelfth Night, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Much Ado About Nothing) and Jodie McNee (A Life of Galileo, Isabella in Measure for Measure).
Illustration by Coke Navarro
Director Phillip Breen Designer Mark Bailey Lighting Tina MacHugh Music Paddy Cunneen Sound Dyfan Jones Movement Ayse Tashkiran Fights Renny Krupinski
As You Like It Director Kimberley Sykes talks about forests and how they inspired her production.
For the full interview please visit rsc.org.uk/as-you-like-it
Sarah Twomey
Returning to the Company this summer for The Provoked Wife are Associate Artist Alexandra Gilbreath (The Rover, The Merry Wives of Windsor), Rufus Hound (Don Quixote) Caroline Quentin (The Hypocrite, Les Misérables) and Associate Artist Jonathan Slinger (Hamlet, The Tempest, The Comedy of Errors and Twelfth Night). Les Dennis will make his RSC debut.
Come Into The Forest...
Photo by Sam Allard
Summer 2019
MEET THE DIRECTORS | PREVIEW MAY 2019 | 13
To hear more from the cast and crew during rehearsals visit rsc.org.uk/blogs/whispers-from-the-wings to read our latest behind-the-scenes blogs
14 | PREVIEW MAY 2019 | STITCH IN TIME
INCREASE YOUR SUPPORT | PREVIEW MAY 2019 | 15
Increase your support and enjoy special events
UPDATE There have been some exciting developments at the construction site of the new Costume Workshop in Stratford-upon-Avon. In late January, the site was cleared and prepared ahead of demolition work, which began in March. To protect staff and the public, eight feet high
hoardings have been constructed around the area and covered with stunning visuals of previous RSC productions, artist’s renderings of the new Costume Workshop and information about the Stitch In Time Campaign. The hoardings will stay in place for the duration of the project and are in situ along
the right-hand side of the pathway leading to the Chapel Lane offices and along the ramp access to the front door. The Costume Workshop team are based in temporary spaces in Arden Street and are currently working on the costumes for the upcoming Winter 19/20 Season.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PATRON EVENTS INCLUDE Patrons’ drinks
Dates are planned throughout the year for Patrons to gather with a member of the creative team to learn more about the production. Free with the purchase of a performance ticket
Showcase Day May Stratford-upon-Avon
One of our best loved events, giving you a flavour of what happens behind the scenes. From presentation to demonstrations, workshops to interviews it is a fascinating and insightful day. £75 per person, including lunch
Patrons’ Summer Party August Stratford-upon-Avon
Photo by Sam Allard The restoration and redevelopment of the Costume Workshop is supported using public funding by the NATIONAL LOTTERY through ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND, the NATIONAL LOTTERY HERITAGE FUND, and THE GOVERNMENT’S LOCAL GROWTH FUND through the COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP, with additional support from the GARFIELD WESTON FOUNDATION, LYDIA AND MANFRED GORVY, THE FOYLE FOUNDATION, THE BERNARD SUNLEY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION and other generous supporters.
Last weekend, Anne Olivieri and the team at Morton Hall hosted a three-day tulip festival in support of our Stitch In Time Campaign. We are waiting for confirmation of funds raised, but will update you in your next newsletter.
Photo by Sam Allard
In January’s PREVIEW we announced the launch of our RSC Running Wardrobe team, headed by Executive Director Catherine Mallyon, who were running the Shakespeare Half Marathon to raise money for our Stitch In Time Campaign. The goal was to raise £10,000 towards the remaining £250,000 needed to complete the project with a team made up of 11 RSC staff members from different departments. Your newsletter went to print before the event, but we will update you on their progress in the next newsletter.
Morton Hall Tulip Festival
Photo by Clive Nichols
Running Wardrobe
A drinks reception and performance ticket followed by post-show celebration with the Company £99 per person, including performance tickets
SUPPORT. ENJOY. DISCOVER
Our Members are hugely valued and we thank you for your continued support. As a Member, your annual fee helps us perform across the UK, supports the Education programme and contributes towards the many and various aspect of our work. Thank you. Increase your support to Bronze Patron and you will help unlock Shakespeare for new audiences and young people through our education programme, which reaches over 500,000 young people every year. You will further contribute to the work on our stages, helping new writers find their voice, training actors to share Shakespeare’s work with the world, and ensuring our work is accessible to all. You will also contribute to our workplace training opportunities through our apprenticeship programmes.
Being a Bronze Patron from £12.50 a month, gives you up to four days Priority Booking in advance of RSC Members and opens up an exclusive events programme. This year-long programme of informative, but informal, events in London and Stratford-upon-Avon are a chance to discover more about the productions, to meet the creative team and to chat to other Patrons who share your passion for theatre. To find out more about these events, or to discuss increasing you support and becoming a Patron, please contact Michele in the Individual Giving Team on 01789 272283.
Meet the Director – The Boy in the Dress October Stratford-upon-Avon
Artistic Director Gregory Doran invites you to join him for a unique insight into this brand new musical. Free, but tickets required
Patrons’ Evening – The Boy in the Dress December Stratford-upon-Avon
Pre-show dinner with members of the Company, performance ticket and post-show celebration with the Company. £165 per person, including performance ticket and dinner
The Boy in the Dress is supported by RSC Production Circle members Elizabeth Boissevain and Andrew Jeffreys, Charles Holloway, Ms Teresa Tsai and Kathleen J. Yoh
Digital Diorama An augmented journey through Shakespeare’s Stratford PACCAR Room, Level 2 Royal Shakespeare Theatre 26 April – 8 September – FREE Open daily from 10am
Imagine a day in the life of a young William Shakespeare. While strolling around his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon he observes six short scenes which will later influence his plays. Explore his experience through augmented reality and see Shakespeare’s world through a new lens. Inspired by the Seven Ages of Man, the exhibition runs from Shakespeare’s Birthday to the 250th anniversary of David Garrick’s Shakespeare Jubilee in Stratford. Visitors will use provided tablet devices and headphones to make scenes from Shakespeare’s plays spring to life. The Diorama features RSC Associate Artists, including Alexandra Gilbreath and Richard McCabe, directed by Gregory Doran, recorded using photogrammetry and motion capture, and turned into digital avatars.
“The word diorama was invented back in the 1820s, and referred to replica models of scenes that you would see in museums, often in glass cases. That's what we're doing, but we're doing it digitally, marrying a very old technique with the latest technology, to create little snapshots, little windows into Shakespeare's world. We've recreated Stratford-upon-Avon as it might have been in Shakespeare's day. The diorama gives you the impression you are wandering through Shakespeare's Stratford and overhearing conversations he may have heard himself.”
Gregory Doran RSC Artistic Director
Digital Diorama has been envisioned and brought to life with development and technical support from Intel and is funded within the Audience of the Future programme by UK Research and Innovation through Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.
PREVIEW In your next newsletter
██ ██
Stratford-upon-Avon Summer 2020 Season Stitch In Time update
The Apotheosis of Garrick BY GEORGE CARTER
Circle Bar, Royal Shakespeare Theatre
During the Restoration, Shakespeare's plays were not as popular with audiences as those of his contemporaries. In the early years of the eighteenth century, their popularity was much increased when David Garrick, actor-manager of Drury Lane Theatre, produced 27 of the plays and acted in many of them. Before 1769, little interest had been taken in Stratford-upon-Avon as Shakespeare’s birthplace and no concerted effort had been made to draw the general public to the town. The first national Shakespeare festival, the three -day Jubilee, happened in September 1769, establishing Shakespeare as the greatest writer of all time and Stratford-upon-Avon as a significant place to visit. After Garrick’s death, George Carter painted The Apotheosis of Garrick, showing his fellow actors dressed as characters from Shakespeare's plays. It will be on display in the Circle Bar of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from Saturday 27 April.