Category Archives: Legacy

Coriolanus on the big screen: Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut

Ralph Fiennes’ Coriolanus is an extraordinary achievement. Not only is it Fiennes’ first attempt at directing a film, but he also takes the leading role, in effect directing himself too. He’s breaking new ground: it’s the first feature film version … Continue reading

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Making the majestic clear? Updating Shakespeare for the 21st century

So what is more important: clarity of meaning, or poetry? Mike LoMonico recently wrote a post for the Folger Shakespeare Library’s Education blog challenging the often-voiced opinion that Shakespeare’s plays are now so difficult to understand that they should be … Continue reading

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Barren winter and the seasons’ difference

Until a few days ago it looked as if we were getting the “hot January” which Beatrice claims to be so unlikely, the weather has been so mild.  On a country walk near Stratford last week we cast off scarves … Continue reading

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Ralph Fiennes’ Coriolanus and Shakespeare on screen

Shakespeare-lovers are eagerly awaiting the release of the film of Coriolanus directed by and starring Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes may be better known to film audiences as Voldemort in the Harry Potter films, but theatre audiences know that his Shakespeare credentials are … Continue reading

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Innovating in Birmingham: Barry Jackson and modern dress Shakespeare

This week it’s been confirmed that a new and vastly expensive high speed rail link between Birmingham and London is to go ahead. Known as High Speed 2, or HS2, it’s expected to open in 2026, and a second phase, … Continue reading

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Exchanging Christmas cards: the actress and Queen Victoria

What do you do with your Christmas cards at the end of the festive season? By tradition cards and decorations should be taken down on 6 January, Epiphany. E-cards and Facebook messages may be convenient, but they don’t have the same … Continue reading

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Looking forward to the World Shakespeare Festival #WSF2012

 2012 has been welcomed in with the biggest celebrations ever, especially the brilliant fireworks in London. The Olympic Games don’t open until July, but the World Shakespeare Festival begins in April and continues until September. The original Greek Olympic Games … Continue reading

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Mourning at the closing of the year

Shakespeare often idealised brotherhood: not just as a literal bond of blood, but also as a relationship of close trust and love. In his own life Shakespeare was one of eight siblings. Infant mortality took its toll, two sisters dying as … Continue reading

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Word of mouth: talking about Shakespeare

You’ve unwrapped all the presents, eaten and drunk far too much, and you’ve spent all your money in the sales. There are still a few days to go before New Year’s Eve, and if you can’t stand the radio and … Continue reading

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Shakespeare and the birds at Christmas

There’s no doubt that Shakespeare loved the birds he saw and heard around him. He refers time and again to their behaviour, and particularly their song. Romeo and Juliet disagree over whether they hear larks or nightingales, in Macbeth, the … Continue reading

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