RSC Access Matters Sep 14 - Mar 15 by Royal Shakespeare Company

ACCESS MATTERS Photograph of Gregory Doran by Jillian Edelstein, illustration by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather

Welcome to the September 2014 – March 2015 season and the latest edition of Access Matters Having started our journey through the Shakespeare canon in 2013, we now match two comedies together for the first time: Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing. It has always struck me that these two plays belong together – at the end of the first play, the two sparring lovers are separated; at the start of the second, two sparring lovers meet again after a long absence. We think that Shakespeare was writing about the same characters, and that Much Ado About Nothing may have also been known during Shakespeare’s lifetime as Love’s Labour’s Won, so we present the play under this title in the new season. Christopher Luscombe sets the plays on either side of the First World War.

The Company will also produce a family production over the winter, The Christmas Truce. Based on the events surrounding the truce on the front line in 1914, Phil Porter’s new play draws on the experiences of the Warwickshire Regiment to tell this remarkable and uplifting story. Other highlights of the season include the continuation of the Roaring Girls season in the Swan Theatre, with Eileen Atkins returning to the company to play the title role in The Witch of Edmonton. This is a season of moving and also funny plays that celebrates our role as a Company who create work by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and our contemporaries on an epic scale, but who also remain proudly rooted in the community of our Warwickshire home. Gregory Doran Artistic Director

www.rsc.org.uk/access

01789 403436

St ra t f o r d - u pon-Avon Love's Labour's Lost William Shakespeare

Summer 1914. The King and his friends have taken an oath to avoid the company of women for three years. No sooner have they made their pledge than the Princess of France and her ladies-in-waiting arrive, presenting the men with a severe test of their resolve. Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy delights in championing and then unravelling an unrealistic vow. Only at the end of the play is the merriment curtailed as the lovers agree to submit to a period apart, unaware that the world around them is about to be utterly transformed by the war to end all wars. Christopher Luscombe directs one acting company in both Love’s Labour’s Lost and Love’s Labour’s Won (usually known as Much Ado About Nothing). Company includes Edward Bennett and Michelle Terry. Captioned Performances Tuesday 4 November 2014, 7.15pm Wednesday 4 February 2015, 7.15pm Audio Described Performances Saturday 22 November 2014, 1.15pm (Touch Tour 11am) Wednesday 11 March 2015, 7.15pm (Touch Tour 5pm)

Photo: Getty images/Hulton Archive.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre 23 September 2014 to 14 March 2015

Love's Labour's Won William Shakespeare

Royal Shakespeare Theatre 3 October 2014 to 14 March 2015

Photo: Masterfile.

Autumn 1918. A group of soldiers return from the trenches. The world-weary Benedick and his friend Claudio find themselves reacquainted with Beatrice and Hero. As memories of conflict give way to a life of parties and masked balls, Claudio and Hero fall madly, deeply in love, while Benedick and Beatrice reignite their own altogether more combative courtship. Amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-war house party, youthful passions run riot, lovers are deceived and happiness is threatened – before peace ultimately wins out. Better known as Much Ado About Nothing, the play is performed under the title Love’s Labour’s Won, a name possibly attributed to it during Shakespeare’s lifetime. Company includes Edward Bennett and Michelle Terry. Captioned Performances Wednesday 12 November 2014, 7.15pm Thursday 5 February 2015, 7.15pm Audio Described Performances Tuesday 13 January 2015, 7.15pm (Touch Tour 5pm) Thursday 12 March 2015, 7.15pm (Touch Tour 5pm)

Photo: PA/Empics, illustration by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather

A new play marking one of the most extraordinary events of the First World War

The Christmas Truce Phil Porter

Royal Shakespeare Theatre 29 November 2014 to 31 January 2015 December 1914. As families across Europe gather to celebrate Christmas, a generation of young men find themselves far away from their loved ones in the trenches of the Western Front. On Christmas Eve 1914, as the men of the Warwickshire Regiment shelter in their trenches, something astonishing happens. Across no-manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land they hear music. The German soldiers are singing Christmas carols; the same carols their families are listening to, hundreds of miles away. Leaving their trenches, they go to meet their enemies; not to fight, but talk, to exchange gifts and play an unforgettable game of football. Inspired by real events of exactly 100 years ago, RSC Deputy Artistic Director Erica Whyman directs Phil Porterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uplifting new play for families that celebrates a remarkable Christmas story. Recommended for ages 9+

Captioned Performances Thursday 15 January 2015, 7.15pm Saturday 31 January 2015, 7.15pm Audio Described Performances Saturday 10 January 2015, 7.15pm (Touch Tour 5pm) Saturday 24 January 2015, 1.15pm (Touch Tour 11am) Signed Performance Monday 5 January, 7.15pm This will be a semi-integrated British Sign Language performance, with the signer on stage as part of the performance. Relaxed Performance Thursday 29 January, 1.15pm Performed with a more relaxed attitude to noise and movement in and around the auditorium, particularly welcoming to children with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders, a learning disability or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.

See back page for Stratford-upon-Avon Access information

St ra t f o r d - u pon-Avon In Autumn 2014, the Swan Theatre continues to play host to a season that reveals some of the great parts written for, and plays about, women by Shakespeare’s contemporaries.

THE

WHITE DEVIL

The White Devil John Webster

Swan Theatre SEASON EXTENDED UNTIL 2 9 N o v e m b e r 2 014

Captioned Performances Tuesday 9 September 2014, 7.30pm Saturday 4 October 2014, 1.30pm Audio Described Performances Saturday 23 August 2014, 7.30pm (Touch Tour 5.30pm) Saturday 27 September 2014, 1.30pm (Touch Tour 11.30am)

Photo: Tamara Lichenstein.

Duke Bracciano is obsessed by the married Vittoria. When he makes her an indecent proposal she can’t refuse, she enlists the help of Flamineo to fool her husband, and begins an illicit affair. But their infidelity does not go unnoticed. Accusations of adultery are made and Vittoria and Flamineo find themselves snared in a web of corruption, passion and retribution as their single minded pursuit of personal gain reaches an epic and bloody conclusion. Webster’s violent tragedy is directed by Maria Aberg. Maria’s recent RSC credits include the vibrant 2013 As You Like It.

THE

WITCH OF EDMONTON

The Witch of Edmonton Dekker, Ford and Rowley Swan Theatre

Photograph of Eileen Atkins by Nick Briggs ©Island Pictures.

STRICTLY LIMITED RUN 23 October to 29 November 2014 In the village of Edmonton, Elizabeth Sawyer is derided by her neighbours. A poor and lonely old woman, she is ostracised, harassed and accused of being a witch. In her abject misery, she wishes that she really were bewitched and so able to wreak vengeance. Unluckily, someone with the power to grant that wish is listening. As Elizabeth uses her new found powers to seek revenge on those who have wronged her, other villagers find their own lives falling apart and an attempted elopement ends in murder. Will witch or murderer be forgiven? RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran directs the final production in the Roaring Girls Season with Eileen Atkins returning to the Company to play Elizabeth Sawyer. Captioned Performances Thursday 20 November 2014, 7.30pm Audio Described Performances Saturday 15 November 2014, 1.30pm (Touch Tour 11.15am) Thursday 27 November 2014, 7.30pm (Touch Tour 5.15pm)

The Shoemaker’s Holiday Thomas Dekker

Rowland Lacy loves Rose Oatley but it’s not going to work out. An aristocrat and a middle class girl aren’t supposed to marry, not least because Rowland is a very bad boy and her parents really don’t approve. When his father sends him to war to reform his ways, Rowland must take drastic action to avoid any chance of personal injury and secretly pursue his love. He goes from riches to rags. Losing himself among the craftsmen of London he assumes the guise of a Dutch shoemaker (he learnt Dutch on his gap year of course) at the shop of the largerthan-life Simon Eyre and his wife Margery, who are decidedly on their way from rags to riches. Phillip Breen returns to direct Dekker’s glorious city comedy of class, conflict and cobblers in love. Captioned Performances Thursday 8 January 2015, 7.30pm Saturday 21 February 2015, 1.30pm Audio Described Performances Saturday 7 February, 1.30pm (Touch Tour 11.15am) Monday 16 February, 7.30pm (Touch Tour 5.15pm)

OPPENHEIMER

Photo: Courtesy Wellcome Library, London.

Swan Theatre 11 December 2014 to 7 March 2015

Oppenheimer Tom Morton-Smith

Swan Theatre 15 January to 7 March 2015

Photo: Corbis images.

1939: fascism spreads across Europe, Franco marches on Barcelona and two German chemists discover the processes of atomic fission. In Berkeley, California, theoretical physicists recognise the horrendous potential of this new science: a weapon that draws its power from the very building blocks of the universe. The ambitious and charismatic J Robert Oppenheimer finds himself uniquely placed to spearhead the largest scientific undertaking in all of human history. Oppenheimer races to win the ‘battle of the laboratories’ and create a weapon so devastating that, with the detonation of a single device, it would bring about an end not just to the Second World War, but to all war. Tom Morton-Smith’s new play takes us into the heart of the Manhattan Project, revealing the personal cost of making history. Directed by Angus Jackson whose recent credits include King Lear at Chichester Festival Theatre and Brooklyn Academy of Music. Captioned Performances Friday 13 February 2015, 7.30pm Wednesday 4 March 2015, 1.30pm Audio Described Performances Friday 27 February 2015, 7.30pm (Touch Tour 5.15pm) Tuesday 3 March 2015, 7.30pm (Touch Tour 5.15pm)

See back page for Stratford-upon-Avon Access information

WED 3

THU 4

FRI 5

SAT 6

7.15 Two Gents 7.30 Roaring

1.30 Devil 7.15 LIVE Two Gents 7.30 Devil

1.15 L Two Gents 7.15 Henry IV One 7.30 Devil

7.15 Henry IV One 7.30 Devil

1.15 L 7.30 Henry IV Devil One 1.30 Arden 7.15 L Henry IV Two 7.30 ■ Arden

7.30 Arden

1.30 Arden 7.30 L Arden

7.15 F Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Two Gents 7.30 Roaring

KEY

September 2014–March 2015

MON TUE 1 2

NOV

OCT

SEP

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

MON TUE 8 9

= Assisted Performances = Signed Performance ▲ = R

WED 10

THU 11

FRI 12

SAT 13

MON TUE 15 16

WED 17

7.30 ● Devil

1.30 Devil 7.30 Roaring

7.30 Roaring

7.30 Devil

1.30 Devil 7.30 Arden

7.30 Arden

7.30 Devil

1.30 Devil 7.30 Devil

1.30 ● Devil 7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Lost 7.30 Devil

7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Lost 7.30 Devil

1.15 Lost 1.30 Devil 7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Lost 7.30 Devil

1.00 P Lost 7.00 P Won 7.30 Devil

1.15 Won 1.30 Devil 7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Lost 7.30 Witch

7.15 ● Lost 7.30 Witch

1.30 Devil 7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Won 7.30 Witch

7.15 Lost 7.30 Witch

1.15 Lost 1.30 Devil 7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Lost 7.30 Witch

1.15 Lost 7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

1.30 Devil 7.15 ● Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Truce

1.15 Truce 7.15 Truce

7.15 Truce

7.00 P Truce

7.15 Truce

1.15 Truce 7.15 Truce 7.30 F Shoe

7.15 Lost 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Lost 7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

7.15 Truce 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Truce 1.30 Shoe 7.15 ■ Truce 7.30 Shoe

7.15 Lost 7.30 Oppenh

7.15 Lost 7.30 Shoe

1.30 Shoe 7.15 ● Lost 7.30 Oppenh

1.15 Lost 7.15 ● Won 7.30 Oppenh

7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Lost 1.30 ■ Shoe 7.15 Lost 7.30 Oppenh

7.15 Lost 7.30 Oppenh

1.30 PUS Oppenh 7.30 Oppenh

1.30 Oppenh 7.15 LIVE Lost 7.30 Shoe

7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

7.30 ■ Oppenh

1.30 ● Oppenh 7.15 LIVE Won 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Won 7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

7.15 Lost 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Lost 1.30 L Shoe 7.15 Lost 7.30 L Oppenh

7.15 Won

7.15 ■ Lost

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON TUE

DEC

7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Won 1.30 Shoe 7.15 Truce 7.30 Shoe

MAR

FEB

JAN

7.15 Lost 7.30 Shoe

MON TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

7.15 Truce 7.30 Shoe

7.15 Lost 7.30 Shoe

MON TUE

7.15 Lost 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Won 7.15 Won 7.30 ● Shoe

7.15 Won

7.15 ■ Won

7.15 Truce

WED

ABBREVIATIONS Henry IV One = Henry IV Part I, Henry IV Two = Henry IV Part II, Two Gents = The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Lost = Love’s Labour’s Lost, Won = Love’s Labour’s Won, Truce = The Christmas Truce, Roaring = The Roaring Girl, Arden = Arden of Faversham, Devil = The White Devil, Witch = The Witch of Edmonton, Shoe = The Shoemaker’s Holiday, Oppenh = Oppenheimer

= First Performance P = Press Night L = Last Performance PUS = Public Understudy Performance = Reduced Price Preview Relaxed Performance ■ = Audio Described Performance ● = Captioned Performance = P re-or Post-Show on stage event LIVE = Live to Cinema F

FRI 19

SAT 20

MON TUE 22 23

WED 24

THU 25

FRI 26

SAT 27

7.30 Devil

7.30 Roaring

1.30 ● Roaring 7.30 Arden

7.30 Arden

7.15 F Lost 7.30 Devil

1.30 Devil 7.15 Lost 7.30 Roaring

7.15 Lost 7.30 Roaring

7.15 Lost 7.30 Devil

1.30 ■ 7.30 Devil Roaring 7.15 Lost 7.30 Roaring

7.30 L Roaring

7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Lost 7.30 Devil

1.15 Lost 1.30 Devil 7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

7.15 Won

7.15 Lost

7.15 Lost 7.30 F Witch

1.15 PUS Lost 7.15 Lost 7.30 Witch

1.15 Lost 7.15 Won 7.30 Witch

7.15 Won 7.30 Witch

7.15 Lost 7.30 Witch

1.15 Lost 1.30 ■ Witch 7.15 Lost 7.30 Devil

7.15 Lost 7.30 Witch

7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

1.30 Devil 7.15 Won 7.30 Witch

7.15 Won 7.30 ● Witch

7.00 P Shoe 7.15 Truce

1.15 PUS Truce 7.15 Truce 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Lost 1.30 Shoe 7.15 Lost 7.30 Shoe

7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Truce 7.15 Truce 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Truce

1.15 Won 7.15 Won 7.30 Oppenh

7.15 Lost 7.30 ● Oppenh

1.15 Lost 1.30 Shoe 7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

7.15 Won 7.30 ■ Shoe

7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Lost 7.15 ■ Won

7.15 Lost

1.15 L Lost 7.15 L Won

THU

FRI

SAT

7.15 Won 7.30 Oppenh

7.15 Lost 7.30 Oppenh

FRI

7.15 Lost 7.30 Witch

7.00 P Witch 7.15 Won

7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

1.15 PUS Won 7.15 Won 7.30 Witch

7.15 Lost 7.30 Witch

1.15 ■ Lost 1.30 Devil 7.15 Won 7.30 Devil

7.30 Devil

7.30 Witch

1.30 Witch 7.30 Devil

7.30 ■ Witch

7.30 Devil

1.30 L Devil 7.15 F Truce 7.30 L Witch

1.30 Shoe 7.15 Truce 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Truce 1.30 Shoe 7.15 Truce 7.30 Shoe

7.15 Truce 7.30 Shoe

7.15 Lost 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Lost 1.30 Shoe 7.30 Shoe

1.30 Oppenh 7.15 Lost 7.30 Oppenh

1.15 Lost 7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Lost 1.30 ● Shoe 7.15 Lost 7.30 Oppenh

7.15 Won 7.30 Oppenh

7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

1.30 Shoe 7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Won 7.15 Won 7.30 Oppenh

7.15 Lost 7.30 ■ Oppenh

1.15 Lost 1.30 Shoe 7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

MON TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

7.15 Lost 7.30 Oppenh

1.15 Lost 7.00 P Oppenh 7.15 Won

7.15 Won 7.30 Oppenh

1.15 ■ Truce 1.30 Oppenh 7.15 Truce 7.30 Oppenh

7.15 Lost 7.30 Shoe

SAT

7.15 Truce 7.30 Oppenh

1.30 Shoe 7.15 Truce 7.30 Shoe

OCT NOV DEC

1.15 ▲ Truce 7.15 Truce 7.30 Shoe

1.30 PUS Shoe 7.15 Won 7.30 Shoe

1.15 Won 1.30 Oppenh 7.15 ● L Truce 7.30 Oppenh

JAN

1.15 Lost 7.15 Won 7.30 Oppenh

THU

FEB

7.15 Lost 7.30 Oppenh

WED

MAR

1.15 Truce 7.15 ● Truce 7.30 F Oppenh

MON TUE 29 30

SEP

THU 18

MON TUE

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Henry IV Part I*, Henry IV Part II*, The Two Gentlemen of Verona*, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Love’s Labour’s Won, The Christmas Truce Swan Theatre The Roaring Girl*, Arden of Faversham*, The White Devil, The Witch of Edmonton, The Shoemaker’s Holiday, Oppenheimer *For more information on Summer 14 productions visit www.rsc.org.uk

Ne wc a s t l e u pon Tyne

The RSC returns to Newcastle with Henry IV Parts I & II and The Two Gentlemen of Verona TUE 23

WED 24

THU 25 7.30 F Henry IV One

FRI 26 7.30 F Henry IV Two

29 30 1 2 3 7.30 ■ 7.30 ■ 7.30 ● 1.30 7.30 Henry IV One Henry IV Two Henry IV One Henry IV One Henry IV One 7.30 ● Henry IV Two

4 1.30 L Henry IV One 7.30 L Henry IV Two

11 1.30 Two Gents 7.30 L Two Gents

7 7.30 F Two Gents

8 7.30 Two Gents

9 1.30 Two Gents 7.30 ● Two Gents

10 7.30 ■ Two Gents

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

SAT 27 1.30 Henry IV One 7.30 Henry IV Two

OCTOB E R

SE PTE M B E R

MON 22

KEY = Assisted Performances F = First Performance L = Last Performance ■ = Audio Described Performance ● = Captioned Performance = Pre-or Post-Show on stage event ABBREVIATIONS Henry IV One = Henry IV Part I Henry IV Two = Henry IV Part II Two Gents = The Two Gentlemen of Verona

25 September – 4 October 2014

H M S

IA ILL

Photo of Antony Sher by Sasha Gusov

EAR

SP AKE

Direct from Shakespeare’s hometown in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Royal Shakespeare Company brings two of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, Henry IV Parts I & II, to Newcastle Theatre Royal. Directed by RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran and with a cast including Antony Sher as Falstaff, Jasper Britton as Henry and Alex Hassell as Prince Hal, this exploration of Shakespeare’s History Plays is an epic, comic and thrilling vision of a nation in turmoil. With his crown under threat, Part I sees Henry prepare for war and his son face up to his responsibilities. Continuing with Part II, King Henry’s health is fading and Hal must choose between duty and loyalty in Shakespeare’s heart-breaking conclusion to this pair of plays. Captioned Performances Henry IV Part I, Wednesday 1 October, 7.30pm Henry IV Part II, Thursday 2 October, 7.30pm Audio Described Performances Henry IV Part I, Monday 29 September, 7.30pm Henry IV Part II, Tuesday 30 September, 7.30pm

Photo by Elliott Erwitt/magnum photos

7-11 October 2014

AM LLI

EAR

SP AKE

Valentine and Proteus are best friends until they fall in love with the same girl. Having travelled to Milan in search of adventure, they both fall for the Duke’s daughter Silvia. But Proteus is already sworn to his sweetheart Julia at home in Verona, and the Duke thinks Valentine is not good enough for his Silvia. The rivals’ affections quickly get out of hand as the four young lovers find themselves on a wild chase through the woods, confused by mistaken identity and threatened by fierce outlaws before they find a path to reconciliation. Simon Godwin makes his RSC debut to direct Shakespeare’s exuberant romantic comedy. Captioned Performances Thursday 9 October, 7.30pm Audio Described Performances Friday 10 October, 7.30pm

Newcastle upon Tyne Access information BROCHURES Are available in Braille, large print and audio tape from the Box Office on 08448 112121.

BOOKING A TICKET

Please call 08448 112121, visit the Box Office or email info@theatreroyal.co.uk

ACCESS FACILITIES There are eight wheelchair spaces available in the stalls. If you need the services of a companion their ticket is free. There is a sound enhancement system in the Theatre Royal auditorium. Using a headset (with or without a hearing aid) you can boost the volume of the performance. Headsets are bookable at the Box Office, which has an induction loop. There is lift access to all levels of the theatre. Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre. There is an accessible toilet on all levels of the theatre.

CAR PARKING There are two parking spaces for Blue Badge Holders on Shakespeare Street and three spaces on Hood Street. Most parking meters are free to Blue Badge Holders.

Lo nd o n

Henry IV Parts I & II transfer to the Barbican Theatre, London 29 November 2014 – 24 January 2015

AN EPIC COMIC AND THRILLING VISION OF A NATION IN TURMOIL Following the success of Richard II at the Barbican Theatre, London we are delighted to return with Henry IV Parts I & II later this year. Captioned Performances Henry IV Part I, Wednesday 21 January 2015, 7.15pm Henry IV Part II, Thursday 22 January 2015, 7.15pm

Audio Described Performances Henry IV Part I, Friday 2 January 2015, 7.15pm (Touch Tour 5.15pm) Henry IV Part II, Saturday 3 January 2015, 7.15pm (Touch Tour 5.15pm)

Barbican Access information Photo of Antony Sher by Sasha Gusov

The Barbican’s main entrance at Silk Street is ramped and lifts give access to all levels. In the theatre, there are eight spaces for wheelchair users with companion seats, and seats in the back row of the Stalls are also suitable for people with limited mobility. Assistance dogs may be taken into the theatre (please tell us when booking) or can be left with a member of staff during the performance. Captioned performances: seats with the best view of the screen are reserved for people with hearing impairments, so please book early and ask for these seats. Audio-described performances use a wireless network to relay through a headset: you can obtain a head set 30 minutes before the performance from the programme desk inside the stalls right entrance to the theatre. For more information, please visit www.barbican.org.uk/access Box Office: 02076 388891

HENRY IV TOUR DATES: WIL

LIA

HAK

ESP

EAR

Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne 25 September – 4 October Theatre Royal, Norwich 14 – 18 October The Lowry, Salford 21 – 25 October

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford 28 October – 1 November Theatre Royal, Bath 4 – 8 November Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury 11 – 15 November

For more information visit www.rsc.org.uk/tour

Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies transfer to the Aldwych Theatre, London 1 May – 6 September 2014

‘HILARY MANTEL’S SUBLIME WORKS OF TUDOR TYRANNY ARE BROUGHT VISCERALLY TO LIFE BY THE RSC’ Sunday Times

Playful Productions and the Royal Shakespeare Company transfer our acclaimed productions of Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies to the Aldwych Theatre, London for a limited season. Captioned Performances Wolf Hall, Monday 2 June 2014, 7.30pm Bring Up the Bodies, Tuesday 3 June 2014, 7.30pm Audio Described Performances Wolf Hall, Monday 9 June 2014, 7.30pm Bring Up the Bodies, Tuesday 10 June 2014, 7.30pm To book your tickets for this London transfer please call Ticketmaster on 0844 4539 025 or visit www.wolfhall.co.uk. Booking fees apply.

OF S T N PAR OULTO O W P N T MIKE I ION S BY T A S L ATI NOVE M A DR TEL’S W E A N RY MAN A HIL

Aldwych Theatre Access information Please telephone 020 7836 5537 and select option 2 to discuss your requirements, or email aldwych.access@nederlander.co.uk, so that we can serve individual requirements appropriately. There is a wheelchair accessible entrance available 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance. On arrival please inform staff at the main entrance if access entry is required. The Aldwych Theatre uses a Sennheiser Infrared Loop System. Guide dogs are welcome, and may be taken into the auditorium or looked after by theatre staff. Blue Badge London have several parking bays within close proximity to the Aldwych Theatre. For more information, please visit www.aldwychtheatre.com/access

Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon BOOKING TICKETS

FRONT ROW SEATS There are four seats available at every performance in the front row of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and Swan Theatre stalls for people with either a visual or a hearing impairment. Please ask Box Office staff about the availability of these seats when booking your ticket.

Photo: Stewart Hemley

If you have a disability you can purchase a ticket for £16. If you need the services of a companion their ticket is also £16. We have a dedicated booking line for anyone with a disability; please call 01789 403436. Alternatively you can book online using the access booking form at www.rsc.org.uk

THEATRE ACCESS

TOUCH TOURS

Both the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre have lift access to all levels of the building. There are wheelchair spaces on all levels of the the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre stalls. Adapted toilets are available on all levels of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and on the ground floor and first gallery level of the Swan Theatre.

We offer free Touch Tours before Audio Described performances. Touch Tours offer the opportunity to get close to the set, costumes and props used in the play. During a tour backstage, the audio describers will guide you through important props and character costumes used in the production. Please call 01789 403436 to book your free place.

INDUCTION LOOP

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre auditoria are fitted with a loop system as is the Box Office, cloakroom, stage door and shop counters.

Hearing Dogs can be taken into the auditorium, please tell Box Office staff when booking your seat if you are bringing your dog. Alternatively you can leave your dog with a member of staff in the foyer, please let us know when booking.

There are seven disabled parking bays on Waterside directly outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and 10 bays on Chapel Lane, the road opposite the Swan Theatre. These spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. Southern Lane also has on-road parking for blue badge holders; there are 10 parking bays at the side and rear of The Courtyard Theatre. There is a car drop off point directly outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and a coach drop off point just past the Swan Theatre.

GUIDE DOGS

AUDIO DESCRIBERS

Guide Dogs can be taken into the auditorium, but please tell Box Office staff when booking your seat if you are bringing your dog. Alternatively you can leave your dog with a member of staff in the foyer, but please let us know when booking.

AUDIO DESCRIBERS & CAPTIONERS

HEARING DOGS

Julia Grundy, Ellie Packer, Mary Plackett, Carolyn Smith

Janet Jackson, Ridanne Sheridan

We have re-designed Access Matters. We’d love to know what you think of Access Matters. Our priority is making access information easy for you to read and understand. Email us at access@rsc.org.uk and let us know what you think. We really appreciate your feedback.

Royal Shakespeare Company, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BB. www.rsc.org.uk/access This leaflet was printed in March 2014. Every effort is made to ensure that the information remains correct, but please check with the Box Office for full and final details. Registered charity number 212481.