Monthly Archives: May 2011

Shakespeare’s many lives

It’s said we know next to nothing about Shakespeare’s life, yet new biographies are published every year. Is this because new facts are always being discovered? Sadly not, although every now and then an extra piece is added to the … Continue reading

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Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight

It seems that music, whether being listened to or performed, really is good for you. It was recently reported that musicians have better memories than the rest of us, and playing music may result in higher levels of proficiency in … Continue reading

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Those fabulous frocks

Why are we so fascinated by clothes that have been worn by the rich and famous? Kate Middleton’s wedding dress will attract enormous attraction when it is put on display (probably in Buckingham Palace). We will all admire the fabulous … Continue reading

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The ups and downs of power

No matter what your political affiliation, you have to feel a bit sorry for Nick Clegg. Only a year ago he was the darling of the electorate.  In the televised debates between the leaders of the three main parties before … Continue reading

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The first draft of history?

Over the past week the news has been dominated by the killing of Osama Bin Laden. President Obama must have felt some satisfaction that he’d got an authoritative statement out before it was widely reported on Twitter and Facebook, though … Continue reading

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Cuckoos, cuckolds, and the coming of spring

According to one website, Shakespeare “writes more about birds than any other poet”, with 606 mentions of 64 different species. He certainly names many species, and associates them with feelings, people or events.  The day before yesterday I heard my … Continue reading

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When shall we three meet again?

When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning or in rain?  In a typically fearless decision Michael Boyd, the RSC’s Artistic Director has chosen to open the first brand new production in the newly redeveloped RST without one of … Continue reading

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Obama and Shakespeare

Watching President Obama make the official statement about the death of Osama Bin Laden, it was impossible not to be reminded of the Earl of Richmond’s speech at the end of Shakespeare’s Richard III. I almost expected him to say … Continue reading

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Viva Espana

For most of us today, Spain means sun, sea and sangria, but for Shakespeare and his contemporaries Spain had less positive associations. The most powerful state in Europe, already feared and suspected, launched the Spanish Armada with the intention of … Continue reading

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