RSC Members' Preview May 2019

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

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no performance 1.15

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Mon 28

7.15

AS YOU

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7.00

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7.15

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7.15

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1.15

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1.15

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7.15

AS YOU

7.15

AS YOU

7.15

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7.15

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1.15

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7.15

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7.15

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7.15

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NOVEMBER

no performance

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7.15

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1.15

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no performance 7.15

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1.15

MEASURE AS YOU

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Sun 10

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Wed 18

7.15

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Wed 13

7.15

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1.15

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Thu 14

7.00

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7.15

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7.15

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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

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7.15

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1.15

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no performance

7.15

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7.15

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7.15

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1.15

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7.15

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7.15

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7.15

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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

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7.15

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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

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7.30

MEASURE

Wed 26

7.30

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Wed 11

7.30

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Wed 25

7.30

MEASURE

no performance

Thu 30

7.30

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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

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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

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Sat 15

AS YOU AS YOU n

Fri 27

7.30

MEASURE

7.30

MEASURE

7.30

MEASURE

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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

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7.30

SHREW

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Sat 28

1.30

SHREW nl

FEBRUARY

7.30

AS YOU

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no performance

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no performance

OCTOBER

1.30

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7.30

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Sun 2

no performance

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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

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Thu 20

1.30

SHREW

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7.30

SHREW n

Thu 19

1.30

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Wed 1

Thu 3

1.30

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1.30

SHREW

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1.30

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7.30

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7.30

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7.30

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7.30

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1.30

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7.30

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Fri 3

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1.30

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7.30

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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

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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.